Azerbaijan, Baku, 7 March / Trend corr. S.Ilhamgizi / 'Independent MPs' of Azerbaijan demand to hold 20th anniversary of National-Liberation Movement and restore the status of State Independence Day Holiday on 18 October, as well as a special status for 'Independent MPs'.
On 7 March 1991, 43 MPs voted for the separation of Azerbaijan from the Soviet Union and to announce its independence. But, 254 MPs stood against the separation and announcement of independence, and six remained neutral.
Former MP Hajibala Azimov stated that he is indifferent to 'independent MPs'.
MP Sabir Rustamkhanli noted that the position which 43 MPs took in 1991 was heroic, and today we cannot allow shuttling their reputation and removing them from public processes.
Former MP Arif Hajili said that Azerbaijan gained independence not only as a result of the collapse of Soviet Union, but the National-Liberation Movement that took place in the country at that time played a key role in attaining the independence.
Former MP Etibar Mammadov said that today the persons, who arrested the people who stood for the independence of the country, have occupied the high positions.
The statement passed by 43 independent MPs stipulates to put an end to abuse of power by certain officials, as well as stopping of the negative popularization against National-Liberation Movement, moreover they also demand that the officials and judges who committed repression against 'independent MPs' must be punished and Day of State Independence must be marked annually.