  AFP refuses to publish interview with Azeri ambassador in France November 9, 2020 - 14:42 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Agence France-Presse (AFP) has refused to publish an interview with the Azerbaijani ambassador in France, Rahman Mustafayev, according to a tweet the envoy posted on Monday, November 9 night. An email screenshot the ambassador published reveals that the news agency has explained their decision by the fact that "the accusation he mentioned cannot be verified." Mustafayev wrote that Le Figaro and other media outlets "systematically refuse" to publish Azerbaijani stories. Since the beginning of the war in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), Azerbaijan has embarked on a campaign to shift the blame for the ongoing hostilities. Their president Ilham Aliyev went as far as to accuse the BBC of disseminating what he described fake news about Azerbaijan's war crimes, which have been verified by international and local news outlets and major human rights organizations. Azerbaijan, with help from Turkey and terrorist mercenaries deployed by Ankara, started a war against Karabakh (Artsakh) in the morning of September 27. The Armenian side has reported deaths and injuries both among the civilian population and the military. Foreign and local journalists too have been injured in Azeri shelling of towns and villages.   Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims  Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide.Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed.Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham).Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |
