Statement from the AIR Center regarding the Civilnet article on the alleged “digital war” by Azerbaijan against France:

"We would like to state that the AIR Center, since its inception, has maintained transparency and openness in its operations, including its funding sources. It is a publicly available fact that the Center was established through a decree issued by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in 2019, and this information is available on the Center's official website (www.aircenter.az).

Since its establishment, the AIR Center has actively engaged with various partners, addressing matters of mutual interest, and has, on several occasions, hosted representatives of France at its events. Regrettably, due to the policies of the current French administration, relations between Azerbaijan and France have significantly deteriorated. Against this backdrop, we note an attempt to shift the blame onto Azerbaijan for France's own foreign policy missteps and its failures in managing certain international challenges, including those related to its overseas territories.

Armenia, which has benefitted from France’s support despite its policies of ethnic cleansing and occupation, has sought to leverage France in exerting pressure on Azerbaijan. Unfortunately, Azerbaijan’s relationship with France, and more broadly with the European Union, has become hostage to the Armenia-Azerbaijan disputes.

The AIR Center has remained committed to fostering engagement with its European partners and has consistently sought to discuss issues of shared interest. Therefore, the report published by Civilnet, which claims to be a platform for dialogue and the protection of human rights, is rife with unfounded allegations and personal attacks, including those directed at Dr. Farid Shafiyev, Chairman of the AIR Center."