Azerbaijan's Media Development Agency accuses foreign outlets of biased coverage

The Media Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan has criticized recent articles published by the UK-based newspapers The Independent and The Guardian, as well as by the BBC Russian Service, saying they contained untrue information aimed at misleading public opinion about Azerbaijan, Report informs, citing a statement by the agency.

The Media Development Agency stated that the publications, which it said were based on an overtly biased approach and subjective claims, created the impression of being part of a targeted information campaign aimed at damaging Azerbaijan's international image.

The agency said the authors of the articles had taken no steps to investigate the subject in a balanced and objective manner or to seek the official position of the opposing side, instead preferring to present arguments based solely on their subjective assertions.

"This raises serious suspicions that the materials in question may be politically motivated and stem from the interests of certain lobby groups, which is deeply regrettable," the statement said.

The Media Development Agency said relevant measures would be taken to investigate such cases, which it described as being aimed at casting a shadow over Azerbaijan's sovereignty, domestic and foreign policy, as well as its international prestige, and to take the necessary steps accordingly.

"We once again call on the media organizations - The Independent, The Guardian, and the BBC - to remain committed to their declared professional principles, refrain from publishing biased, prejudiced, and inaccurate materials about Azerbaijan, and restore impartial information coverage in accordance with journalistic ethics," the agency said.