Azerbaijan's Press Council appeals to Euronews, Le Figaro for biased coverage

Azerbaijan’s Press Council has directly addressed the “Euronews” news channel and the French “Le Figaro” publication with the following appeal, as Caliber.Az reports:

“The fact, that the content of the speeches given by several people at the December 25 rally in Khankendi, which is under the temporary supervision of the Russian peacekeeping contingent in Azerbaijan’s Karabakh territory, has been published in the Le Figaro newspaper and aired on the French service of Euronews from a biased and one-sided angle, is cause for great regret.

The Press Council, which expresses the justified discontent of Azerbaijani journalists, considers it unacceptable to turn the media into a stage for the propaganda of violence and confrontation, as this contradicts the principles of professional journalism.

Karabakh is part of Azerbaijan’s sovereign territory as recognized by the UN. Khankendi is an ancient Azerbaijani city, and the population residing there are Azerbaijani citizens. However, Le Figaro newspaper and the French service of Euronews not only failed to consider Azerbaijan’s sovereign rights, but also the interests of the common citizens of Armenian ethnicity residing in the Karabakh region when covering the December 25 rally. They presented the subject in the context of the interests of the criminals and their followers that hold Azerbaijani lands under occupation for almost 30 years now.

It is with regret that we state, that Le Figaro and Euronews’ French service have provided a platform for those, that serve to divide and oppose a peaceful agenda in the region, and not to those, that put their efforts into ensuring stability in the South Caucasus and a peaceful co-existence between the nations. Such a disregard for the values of journalism is inadmissible and unacceptable.

In line with such important journalistic principles as impartiality and objectivity, Le Figaro and Euronews could have provided unbiased coverage on the protest by representatives of the Azerbaijani civilian society on the Lachin-Khankendi road, which has been lasting for 15 days now, and portrayed the positions of all parties.

Unfortunately, we did not see such a professional approach. By organizing and spreading unbiased statements by representatives of the French society addressed to Azerbaijan, Le Figaro publication is trying to give a false impression of Azerbaijan of reportedly trying to conduct a policy of ethnic cleansing targeted against the Armenians of Karabakh. It is obvious, that this is the offspring of the efforts by the Armenian Lobby in France and serves their interests. We believe it is important to note, that media coverage of any material in accordance with a political situation is contrary to the principles of the international Munich Declaration on the Rights and Duties of Journalists. Reporters and the media have to do everything, to cover the bring the truth to the public. Such negative tendencies cause serious damage to the relations between the Azerbaijani and French people and create a negative opinion of France within the Azerbaijani society.

Azerbaijan’s Press Council, which entails popular media structures and journalistic organisations, urges the Le Figaro newspaper and the French service of Euronews to be sensitive to Karabakh’s realities and to show respect for the norms and principles of international law, territorial integrity and the sovereignty of the independent Republic of Azerbaijan, which is also recognized by the French state.

The Council believes, that these media outlets and all French media should not provide a platform to those, that want to realize their political endeavors in the South Caucasus. They should see the real outlook of things be managed by the principles of justice. Only by this one can give their input into the establishment of long-lasting peace in the region, into the development and progress in that geographic area where the Azerbaijani and Armenian people are represented together, as well as into the protection of human rights and liberties.

One would like to believe, that our appeal will be understood correctly, that the relevant conclusions will be made and that the above-highlighted matters will be considered by the Le Figaro newspaper and the French service of Euronews in the future, as well as in the works by the French and European media in general”.