Azerbaijan, Baku / Trend corr. E.Huseynli / Vahabism cannot affect political life of Azerbaijan.
I do not believe it possible that radical religious groups will affect political life in Azerbaijan. Despite attempts being made by radical groups they were immediately prevented," Mubariz Gurbanli, deputy executive secretary of the ruling New Azerbaijan party, said.
Lieutenant Kamran Asadov, an officer from military division N of the Defence Ministry, acting in a criminal conspiracy with other members of a radical Vahabist group, deserted his military unit and took with him four submachine guns, one machine gun and 20 grenades, along with shells and other military equipment. Law enforcement agencies of Azerbaijan have established that the radical religious group intended to commit terror acts in strategic buildings, including diplomatic facilities.
Officials of the Azerbaijani National Security Ministry reinforced security measures after informing of the planned terrorist acts directed against foreign embassies in Azerbaijan. The operational measures by the Azerbaijani National Security Ministry revealed that Asadov was a member of the Vahabists religious group. The criminal hid some of the weapon in the Ismayilli region of Azerbaijan. The armed group was detained in 104, Sadova Ave, Mashtaga, Baku, on 27 October. One of the criminals was killed during the operation.
There is no struggle against vahabism and other religious radical sects in Azerbaijan as there is freedom of beliefs in the country.
Gurbanli considers that radical religious sects cannot operate in the country.
The New Azerbaijan party was founded by the ex-President of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev in 1992.