July 24, 2003 - 19:54 AMT
BAKU DENIES REPORTS ON HUGE SUMS BEING SPENT ON HEYDAR ALIYEV TREATMENT
The Azeri embassy in Ankara has lodged a complaint to the Organization of the TV and radio broadcast of Turkey against "Star" local TV channel, which issued a subject July 22 on sums being spent on treatment of president Heydar Aliyev in the military and medical hospital "Gulhane." As reported by "Interfax" agency, Azeri ambassador to Turkey Mamed Aliyev said. In his opinion, incredibly exaggerated sums are presented in the subject. Meanwhile, according to the "Star" data, $34 million is monthly spent for Aliyev to take cure in Turkey, most of the sum being spent to buy expensive drugs and on service. "Star" spread false, slanderous information and I hope that the TV and radio organization of Turkey will pass a decision to close the channel," the Azeri ambassador said. He also reported that the state of health of the Azeri president is satisfactory, nevertheless, the medical examination will continue for a few more days.