Azerbaijan, Baku / corr Trend S.Ilhamgizi / Unless the Azerbaijani opposition Parties unite in the forthcoming presidential elections in 2008, it will have nothing to offer to the nation, Ayaz Rustamov, the chairman of the Azerbaijan National Independence (ANIP), said in talks with Trend on 12 September.
Prior to the elections, the heads of ANIP, the Democratic Party, Musavat, Social-Democratic Party, Tereggi and Forum for Azerbaijan have held meetings periodically. During the meeting held on 12 September the Consultative Council of these political parties discussed a range of issues concerning the participation of the 2008 presidential elections. The key objective of the Consultative Council is to participate in the presidential elections and the council is adapted to form an appropriate organization prior to the elections.
The concrete unity of the opposition is the order of the current situation. However, some opposition parties are striving to be alienated. Stating 'I have a bloc' does not resolve any issue," the party chairman said hinting at Azadlyg.
Until the formation of the Consultative Council, a proposal on unification was made to several political parties, including Azadlyg bloc.
ANIP was founded in 1992 and was the first party officially received registration in Azerbaijan. Etibar Mammadov was founder of the party and the chairman by 2004. Presently, Mammadov is the deputy chairman of the International Democratic Community.