...

Weekly political digest (18.08- 23.08.2008)

Politics Materials 28 August 2008 12:04 (UTC +04:00)

Official news

On 18 August the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, became familiarized with the new technology and the equipment of communal designation. Demonstration of new technique of communal designation, brought to the republic to improve the material and technical base of the apartment-communal economy of the country, took place in Azadlyg Square of the capital.

The State Head got familiarized with the automobiles of communal designation, which correspond to the modern standards, and also with their technical indices and methods of application. Making orders and assignments, he President emphasized that the new technology is characterized through not only exterior view, but also meets contemporary standards. The Head of State noted that such measures must be continued henceforth, any works in Azerbaijan, including in Baku, must be carried out at the world level.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received UNICEF Representative in Azerbaijan Hanaa Singer who is completing her tenure in the country.  The meeting was touched upon the permanent extension of relations between Azerbaijan and UNICEF.

On 18 August the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, signed an order awarding the employees of the State Border Service due to high achievements obtained during realization of their duty and on occasion of professional holiday of the employees f the Border Service.

According to order, three servicemen of the State Border Service were awarded the medal "Flag of Azerbaijan", three - medal of third degree "For service to Native Land", two - medal "For Native Land", five - "For courage", 33 "For military service".

On 19 August , the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, received Egyptian ambassador Youssef Ahmad Ibrahim Al Sharkawi who is completing his diplomatic mission in Azerbaijan. Ambassador stressed the Azerbaijan-Egypt relations had developed successfully over the past years. He thanked for the attention shown by Azerbaijani government and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. The Head of State recalled his high-level visit to Egypt. He stressed that the ambassador had contribute to strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries. Azerbaijani leader noted he is confident that relationship between the two countries will continue to expand.

On 18 August the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, sent a letter of congratulation to President of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai on the country's holiday, Independence Day. "I am sure that we will continue our efforts to keep and strengthen historical friendship between our peoples both on a bilateral basis and within international organizations for the development of cooperation," said the President in the letter.

Azerbaijani leader expressed his best wishes to his Afghan counterpart and peace and stability to the people of Afghanistan.

On 19 August, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, received the delegation headed by Mr. Lars Thunnel, CEO of International Financial Corporation.

Mr. Lars Thunnel expressed pleasure for successful cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Organization he leads since 1995. He, in particular, noted accomplishments the country reached in economic growth, business environment and development of private sector. In meeting, discussed were the further expansion of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the IFC.

On 19 August, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, received Ekkerhard Schulz, chairman of the ThyssenKrupp, large German industrial conglomerate, and his accompanying delegation. Schulz said ThyssenKrupp is curious about economic growth processes in Azerbaijan. The prospects of the company`s operations in Azerbaijan were discussed at the meeting.

On 19 August, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, received BP executive vice president Andy Inglis.

Mr Inglis said BP and Azerbaijan`s state oil firm, SOCAR, have been successfully continuing offshore extraction amid a crisis in the region.

He also praised the fact Azerbaijan had ensured its gas reserves for winter. President Aliyev said this demonstrates that Azerbaijan and BP are able to continue their cooperation even in critical situations.

The President expressed confidence the Azerbaijan-BP cooperation will further enhance laying foundations for new joint projects.

Prime Minister of Turkey, Rajab Tayyup Erdogan, arrived in Azerbaijan on 20 August. In Baku

On 20 August the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, received the Prime Minister of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Steady development of cooperation and bilateral relations between the two countries was stressed at the one-to-one meeting. The sides also expressed confidence that bilateral ties would continue to develop. Discussions also revolved around bilateral relations, regional and international issues.

Azerbaijan is interested in establishment of friendly relations between Tbilisi and Moscow, the Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said in his joint statement with Rejeb Tayyib Erdogan, the Turkish Premier, at the end of a bilateral meeting held in Baku.

" Russia and Georgia are Azerbaijan's friends. We have borders with both countries and we want that our friends to be friends of each other, as well," the President said.

According to Aliyev, the latest developments showed that stability of the region is fragile.

"As a result the latest developments in Georgia, each country's economic interests tuned out under threat. Serious damage was caused to Azerbaijan's export potential, according to the last data. Our transport opportunities were restricted," the President said.

"Surely, we want the situation of our neighbors to be stabilized and the problem to be solved in a peaceable way. Azerbaijan recognizes territorial integrity of all countries and believes that all conflicts can be solved within the framework of the international law, through peaceable ways and negotiations," the head of state said.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Romania's Traian Basescu had a working breakfast on 21 August.

It was emphasized during the conversation that bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Romania were successfully enhancing, and that expansion of relations between the two countries also contribute to boosting regional cooperation.

Both Presidents have discussed the mutual interesting issues.

On 21 August, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, sent a message of condolence to King Juan Carlos I of Spain and Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero over the loss of lives caused by a plane crash. "I was deeply saddened to hear the news about plane crash in the Madrid Airport claiming human lives. I extend my sincere sympathies and condolences to You, and families and relatives of the dead, and wish speedy recovery to those injured," the President said.

23 August will be yearly marked as professional holiday of the staff of State Special Security Service in Azerbaijan. The decision on this was reflected at the order of the President of Azerbaijan, signed on 21 August.

The President signed this order, taking into consideration the zone of the scope and the complexity of the authorities, carried out by personnel of State Special Security Service, role in the protection of statehood, the faithfulness, worthy and irreproachable service to Azerbaijan State, people, the President of Azerbaijan Republic, and also for the purpose of the perpetuation of the history of the establishment of the State Special Security Service and tradition of true service. Order comes into force from the day of signing.

The Head Department of Defence of High State Bodies was established according to the order of Nationwide Leader Heydar Aliyev dated 23 August 1993 in order to ensure security of the President of Azerbaijan Republic and high-ranking officials, defence of high State bodies. Later this structure continued its activity as the State Special Security Service of Azerbaijan Republic.

The President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aiyev began his tour to Khizi region of Azerbaijan on 22 August.

Head of State visited the monument to the national leader of Azerbaijan in the center of Khizi city and laid flowers at the monument.

Later President Ilham Aliyev got familiar with the reconstruction work in a park named after the national leader.

President was informed that all conditions were provided in the park with area of 3.2 ha for the convenience of residents.

Special programs have been devised to develop tourism and agriculture in Khizi region of Azerbaijan which has very beautiful nature, the Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said before the residents of the city within the framework of his tour to Khizi.

According to Head of State, additional finance will be allocated to address problems of the region.

The President got familiar with the Chess Centre in Khizi during the visit.

Esmira Kerimova, the director of the centre said to Presidents that there is a favorable condition in the centre built within a short period of time for children to learn this old game. The centre is expected to be enlarged in future. Khalida Abdullayeva ranked the first place in regional competition held on occasion of national leader Heydar Aliyev's 85th anniversary, and the fourth place in the republic competitions.

It was mentioned that, as a whole, great care is attached to physical training and sport in the region

The President participated in the inauguration ceremony of national leader Heydar Aliyev museum in Khizi city.

There are photographs on Heydar Aliyev's life and activity at the exposition hall of the museum.

On 22 August the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, officially inaugurated a new house building for disabled veterans of the Karabakh war and martyr families as part of his trip to Khizi district of Azerbaijan.

The two-storied building which has 16 apartments was built under a state program aimed at boosting social and economic development of the country's regions. The President handed over apartment licenses to the veterans and members of the martyr families.

The President of Azerbaijan spoke about attention and care for disabled and martyr families. He said that Azerbaijan is developing and further strengthening, large works are being carried out in military sphere and occupied Azerbaijani lands will be liberated. The disabled veterans of the Karabakh war and members of martyr families expressed gratitude to the President for attention and care.  

Elections

The Democratic Azerbaijan World Party (ADWP) nominated the current President Ilham Aliyev, the chairman of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party (NAP) for the presidential elections at the third conference of the party held on 18 August. Mammad Alizade, the chairman of the DAWP, told a conference that he was sure Ilham Aliyev would win with majority of votes in the upcoming presidential elections. He offered to nominate Ilham Aliyev who is supported by the majority of the Azerbaijani people, and members of the conference supported his offer unanimously. About 650 members of the party took part in the conference.

On 2 August, Ilham Aliyev's was officially nominated for presidential elections at the NAP's conference. So far, the Ana Veten and Social Prosperity parties have nominated Ilham Aliyev. Moreover, the Azerbaijani Trade Union Confederation and Azerbaijani Red Crescent Organization nominated Ilham Aliyev at their conference held in 2008. On 16 August, the opposition Vahdat Party decided to support Ilham Aliyev's nomination in the presidential elections.

Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry invited international organizations to watchdog the upcoming presidential elections.

"The invited organizations are OSCE, PACE, GUAM and CIS. OSCE and PACE have already defined their observers," Khazar Ibrahim, a spokesperson in the Foreign Ministry, said to journalists on 18 August.

Azerbaijan will host the presidential elections in autumn 2008. The Central Election Commission (CEC) has already registered 15 candidates.

"OSCE will send 30 long standing and 450 short standing observers headed by Boris Firlish, Slovenian diplomat. OSCE's mission arrives in Baku on 7 September," Ibrahim said. PACE is expected to send 30 observers headed by Andreas Herkel.

Central Election Commission (CEC) of Azerbaijan has approved the candidature of a member from the ruling New Azerbaijan Party (NAP) to consultative position. Aydin Mirzazade is the member of the Political Council of NAP.

On 2 August, the candidature of the Azerbaijani incumbent President Ilham Aliyev was nominated to the presidential post. So far, Aliyev's candidature has been supported by the Ana Vatan and Social Welfare parties, Trade Union Confederation and Azerbaijani Red Half Moon Society. The opposition Vahdat party took a decision to support Aliyev's candidature.

On 16 August, CEC registered Aliyev's candidature officially. Azerbaijan will host the presidential elections on 15 October 2008.

An expert group to investigate appeals on the threshold of presidential elections has been founded in the Central Election Commission (CEC). Group unites nine members from CEC.

Similar expert groups are expected to be founded in lower election commissions. Azerbaijan will host the presidential elections on 15 October 2008. So far, 14 contenders have nominated their candidatures to the presidential post.

At its congress on 18 August, Yurddash oppositional party of Azerbaijan made a decision supporting candidate from the ruling New Azerbaijan Party (NAP), the current Head of State Ilham Aliyev, in the Presidential elections. "Yurddash Party considers that the President Ilham Aliyev possesses the highest chances amongst the candidates, and therefore, the participants in the congress made a decision to support the candidate from NAP, the chairman of Yurddash Party, former MP Mayis Safarli, told Trend on 18 August.

The agenda of the congress included one issue - party's participation in the presidential elections.

"In 2006 we made a decision that we will support candidate with the greatest chances. In order to determine it, we held 22 surveys, in which nearly 50,000 people participated. Majority of them supported President Aliyev. Being based on the results of survey and the decision of party, we made a decision to support candidature of Ilham Aliyev," Safarli added. According to him, an election office will be created to support candidate of NAP, and collaboration with other parties will be established in this regard.

Left Azerbaijan Social Democratic Party (SDP) will not participate in the upcoming Presidential elections, a source at the party told Trend on 18 August.

The Presidential elections in Azerbaijan will take place on 15 October.

The Co-chair of SDP, Ayaz Mutallibov, who lives as emigrant in Moscow, stated several weeks ago that the party should not participate in the elections. However, other Co-chair of the party, Araz Alizade, protested against it and said that a final decision will be made after discussions.

The party stated that party's refusal to participate in the Presidential elections is linked with the financial difficulties. "As the party has not financial opportunities to participate in the elections with own candidate, the party will not nominate candidate for presidency," the party said.

The Co-chair of the party said that the regional departments of the party accuse party head of incapability to participate in the elections due to financial difficulties. In addition, it was stated that many regional departments have almost stopped their activities due to financial problems and the party leadership has not done any concrete work to prevent it. The regional departments expect a response to this question from the party leadership at the next congress.

The Azerbaijani Parliament sent invitation to three international organizations, where it has joined, to observe the presidential elections to be held in autumn.

"Official invitations were sent to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and the CIS Parliamentary Assembly," the Parliament told Trend on 19 August.

The presidential elections will be held in Azerbaijan on 15 October. So far, 14 presidential contenders have applied to the Central Elections Commission (CEC).  The Commission registered the candidature of President Ilham Aliyev, the chairman of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party (NAP).

All three international organizations will send their observers to Azerbaijan on the base of their schedule. The international organizations have not yet responded to the invitation.

The observation mission of the CIS will observe the presidential elections in Azerbaijan, which will take place on 15 October. This became known at the meeting of the Chairman of the Central Election Commission of Azerbaijan, Mazahir Panahov with the representatives of the observation mission of the CIS, Evgeni Slobada and Joseph Sidirovich, a source at the CEC told Trend .

The representatives of the CIS observation mission will device a report on the results of observation in the presidential elections in the country. 

Gulamhuseyn Alibayli, a former chairman of Supreme Assembly of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), will not withdraw his presidential candidature in the current stage.

"After discussions at the election office, it was decided to begin signature collecting campaign for registration of the candidature," Alibayli told Trend on 20 August.

Alibayli resigned from the party on 8 August. He refused to explain details of his resignation and said that he would be engaged in political activity independently. Then Alibayli nominated his candidature for the presidential post. The Central Elections Commission  of Azerbaijan (CEC) confirmed the presidential candidature of Gulamhuseyn Alibayli at a meeting held on 16 August.

On 18 August, Alibayli stated that he intends to withdraw his presidential candidature.  

Alibayli said that this issue was widely discussed at the election office. "We decided to collect at least 40,000 signatures required for registration of candidature and participate in the election campaign after registration of candidature. I do not exclude to re-consider withdrawal of my candidature in the next stage of the election campaign," he added.

On 20 August, the Azerbaijani Central Elections Commission (CEC) approved candidacy of two more presidential contenders, including unemployed Arif Aliyev and Ali Agayevli. Both presidential contenders run for presidency independently.

Thus, the CEC has approved a total of 16 presidential candidates.

The list of the media sources which will carry out free propaganda of presidential candidates in Azerbaijan was announced. "For the pre-election campaign, there will be allocated free ether time on the Public television, as well as place on the pages of newspapers "Azerbaijan", "Khalg gazeti", "Republic" and "Bakinski rabochi", a source at the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Azerbaijan told Trend on 20 August. 

Presidential elections in Azerbaijan will take place on 15 October.

The CEC stated that if other broadcasting and printing organizations make a decision on possibility to provide ether time or place for pre-election agitation, they must send appropriate notices to the CEC.

According to the Election Code, the press organizations must publish information on the bases, conditions and amount of payment for the allocation of ether time and place not later than 35 days after the official announcement of decision on holding elections.

The Azerbaijani Central Elections Commission's (CEC) chairman urged elections constituencies' employees, who are responsible for examination of applications and complaints, to approach responsibly to complaints, which will be received on the elections day.

"All complaints should be immediately examined in accordance with the law," Mazahir Panahov, the CEC's chairman said at the training, which was held for elections constituencies' employees, who are responsible for examination of applications and complaints, in connection with Rules on examination of applications and complaints, held on 21 August.

Training is being held together with the CEC, the Council of Europe Venice Commission and the International Fund for Elections Systems. A total of 65 employees of elections constituencies will participate in the training to be held on 21 and 22 August and 60 employees - on 25 and 26 August.

According to Panahov, objective of the training is to improve skills of the elections constituencies' employees. "The training will play an important role in holding democratic elections," he said.

Sergey Kuznetsov, a representative of the Venice Commission, believes that examination of complaints during the elections assumes a great importance. "Plaintiff should be sure that his/her complaint will be examined with full objectivity," Kuznetsov stated at the training on Rules examination of applications and complaints held on 21 August.

According to Kuznetsov, the latest changes in the Elections Code were injected on the base of recommendation of the Venice Commission and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

The OSCE Baku Office urged the Government to implement fully its obligations during the presidential elections in Azerbaijan. "The elections should be held so that they covered all obligations undertaken, which should be carried out," Alexis Shahtatinsky, the deputy head of the OSCE Baku Office, stated at the training.

He stressed that the OSCE observation mission would follow the presidential elections. "The OSCE offered some recommendations after the parliamentary elections held in Azerbaijan in 2005. One of them was connected with examination of complaints and appeals about the elections," Shahtahtinsky said.

According to Shahtahtinsky, this issue was issued in the latest corrections, injected into the Elections Code of Azerbaijan. The diplomat called these changes positive steps and stated that the upcoming presidential elections would show how efficient the taken measures were.

According to Veronica Codec, the CE Secretary General's Special Envoy, the presidential elections to be held in Azerbaijan will show the capabilities of the country. "During the elections, additional steps may be taken, which will form democracy in Azerbaijan in large sense," Codec said.

She said that Azerbaijan sent invitations to the CE, as well as the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) to observe the elections process. The organization will send a delegation to Azerbaijan several days before the elections day. Codec stressed that the CE developed measures plan concerning the elections and began to carry out it jointly with the Azerbaijani Government.  

The Azerbaijani Central Election Commission (CEC) considers that it is incorrect for the opposition parties boycotting elections to device a document regarding illegitimacy of elections beforehand.

"Devising such document before the elections is an unserious matter. The elections should take place and after it is possible assess it," Mazahir Panahov, the CEC Chairman, told journalists on 21 August.

The presidential elections will be held in Azerbaijan on 15 October. Azadlig bloc, uniting three opposition parties (the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan, the Liberal Party and the Citizen and Development Party), the Classical Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan, Open Society, Musavat, Civil Solidarity, Democratic, Great Establishment, Azadlig, National Independence, Social Democrat parties, as well as Eldar Namazov, the head of the Public Forum of 'For Azerbaijan', refused to participate in the elections with own candidates

Azadlig bloc's Board of Chairmen made a decision to establish a co-operation centre of the parties, which refused to join the presidential elections, at the meeting held last week. Fuad Mustafyev, the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan functionary, was authorized to negotiate on the behalf of the bloc in this regard. The main principle of the co-operation is to accept and confirm the elections as illegitimate, Mustafayev said. "We will co-operate with the parties, which accept this principle," he said.

According to Panahov, it is not understandable to assess the elections before the beginning of this process.

"The elections will take place in two months. Devising a document on non-recognition of the elections' results is similar to some methods of the international observation missions. Some of them develop document before the observation of the elections, as well," the CEC's Chairman said, speaking about the statements, which reported that some opposition parties' non participation in the elections reduces the international community's interests for the elections process. "It is an unimportant statement. The international organizations' attitude is not measured with the attitude of the opposition or the authorities. The international organizations have definite standards. For example, the Council of Europe (CE) acts due to its own standards. There is always great international attention to the elections regardless of where the elections are held. There is not any harm for such interest on the elections in Azerbaijan, whilst on the contrary, it is important for us. If we contact with many international officials, it will be useful for our country," the CEC Chairman said. More than 1000 observers are expected to follow the elections.

he opposition Great Establishment Party of Azerbaijan (GEP) changed its decision not take part in the election with its own candidate in the meeting of the Supreme Majlis of the party on 21 August.

"Our two key demands have already been fulfilled, therefore the Supreme Majlis of the party decided to take part in the elections and nominated me for the presidential elections," Fazil Gazanfaroglu, chairman of GEP and MP said to Trend .

The presidential elections in Azerbaijan will be held on 15 October. On 2 August, GEP decided not to nominate its own candidate for presidential elections. The party said it has decided so as there were little chances for equal elections in Azerbaijan.

GEP refused to take part in the elections as the party was hindered from being represented in the Central Election Commission and it was not provided with headquarters. "These two obstacles have been eliminated. Two days ago the State Committee for Property Management provided us with headquarters. Though our headquarters needs repairs, we already have our own headquarters. As to the representation of the party in CEC, parliament will give a positive response to it in the autumn session," he said.

"Some parties have decided not to take part in the elections. We decided to do so not to let the voters of opposition to support government and to use the support of these voters in favor of our party striving for the well being of Azerbaijan," Qazanfaroglu said an d added that the documents will be submitted to CEC within the next few days. "We will have enough time. The election headquarters of our party and regional organizations are fully ready for the elections," he said.

The opposition GEP was established in 2004 and registered in 2005. The chairman of the party Qazanfaroglu is member of Azerbaijani parliament.

The Embassy of United States in Azerbaijan will take an active part in observing presidential elections to be held on 15 October.

"The Embassy will cooperate with the organizations who will observe elections and their opinion will be taken into consideration as a final assessment of elections," Johanna Hanson, the adviser of the US Embassy in Azerbaijan on political affairs said during her meeting with the representatives of the Elections-2008 coalition of NGOs on 21 August.

Coalition of NGOs Elections-2008 was established to achieve more active participation of voters in the presidential elections. The coalition was founded by Inam pluralism center, Center of Multimedia Information Systems and Technologies, International Press Fund of Eurasia, members of board of directors of Press Council Umud Rahimoglu and chairman of KASKFEN Azar Hasrat.

Hanson highly appreciated the efforts of the representatives of the civil society in the conditions of passive pre-election situation. "I am very glad that under such situation when some opposition parties boycott presidential elections, Azerbaijani NGOs are engaged in activities concerning elections," she said.

" US Embassy will assist Azerbaijani government in conducting transparent and fair elections. The Embassy supports many projects and organizations, holds meetings and trainings," Hanson said. US Embassy will make public a final assessment on elections after it is over, she said.

Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) carries out selection of local observers for the upcoming presidential elections in Azerbaijan.

Mission's activity will last from 20 August to 1 November 2008. The key requirements are higher education degree and two years work experience, OSCE Baku office reported.

Gulamhuseyn Alibayli, former chairman of the Supreme Assembly of the opposition Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), has formed his own election headquarters. "Gorkhmaz Ibrahimli, chairman of the Democratic Election Centre (DEC) will head the headquarters," Alibayli told Trend on 22 August.

Alibayli does not intend to create an election bloc around himself. "We have started to collect the necessary 40,000 signatures. At present, the signature collection process has been started in approximately 70 - 80 electoral districts and 2 or 3 people are involved into each district. The campaign on signature collection will cover nearly 100 districts. We expect to complete the process within a week," Alibayli said.

In connection with the presidential elections, polling stations will be established on oil platforms being located in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea and at ships, which will sail in the elections day, the Central Elections Commission (CEC) told Trend on 23 August.

The presidential elections will be held in Azerbaijan on 15 October.

Polling stations will be established at ships and oil platforms, if the number of voters is more than 50, the CEC said. Poling stations will be organized at hospitals and rest homes. The relevant executive bodies and municipals will participate in establishment of these polling stations. At present definite work is being carried out in this regard.

Foregn policy

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry has assured international watchdogs that the democratic elections will be held in the country. The authorities will attempt to provide conditions to hold transparent and democratic presidential elections," Elmar Mammadyarov, Foreign Minister, said at the meeting with Yevgeniy Sloboda, Chief of CIS Watchdog Commission at the upcoming presidential elections.

Sloboda expressed satisfaction regarding the supplements and changes introduced into the Azerbaijani Election Code. Azerbaijan will host the presidential elections in October 2008.

The Azerbaijani delegation, which united 20 intelligentsia and scientists, visited Iran.

The visit was sponsored by the Iranian Aid Committee named Imam Khomeini in Azerbaijan.

Committee informed Trend that the aim of the visit was to get acquainted with Iran's science, as well as cultural values and history. Azerbaijani delegation will also pay a visit to Imam Reza's tomb in Meshhad city.

Committee has been functioning in Azerbaijan for 15 years.

Delegation unites Ramiz Gurbanov, a member-correspondent in Azerbaijani Oil Academy, Sayad Ibrahimov, a scientist in the Oil and Chemistry Processes Institute under the Azerbaijani National Science Academy (NASA), Mardan Jalilov, tutor in Azerbaijani Construction University, Akif Abbasov, an employee in the Education Problem Institute, and others.

Political movements

Mammad Alizade was elected the chairman of the Democratic Peace of Azerbaijan Party at the third meeting of the party. About 650 members from party participated at the meeting.

Certain changes took place in the party's Charter. Party took a decision to hold meetings every five years.

Democratic Peace of Azerbaijan Party was founded by Mammad Alizade. Party supports the political course of the authorities.

The ruling New Azerbaijan Party (NAP) held survey amongst the population with regards to the forthcoming presidential elections. "We know overall attitude. Being based on the results of the survey, we can say that our candidate Ilham Aliyev, who is supported by majority as well, will surely gain victory with majority of voices," Deputy Executive Secretary of NAP, MP Mubariz Gurbanli said.

The presidential elections will be held in Azerbaijan on 15 October

According to Gurbanli, despite the fact that the ruling party is sure of the victory of its candidate, the NAP prepared wide plan with respect to the elections. "We have wide plans with regards to election campaign and we continue to carry out our work in the direction of their realization. We completed our works to determine Party members, who will observe elections and other such issues. Election campaign goes according to the schedule determined by us. Using the right provided by the Election Code, we will take different measures in the period of election campaign," said Gurbanli. However, he did not speak about the innovations, which the ruling party will introduce during the agitation period.

Elshan Manafov, former member of the Central Committee of the left Social-Democratic Party of Azerbaijan (SDPA) is to stand for presidential post. "Manafov feels financial shortcomings to nominate his candidature," Manafov told Trend on 20 August.

At the meeting of SDPA Central Plenary session on 18 August, the party took a decision not to participate at the upcoming presidential elections with its own candidate due to financial problems.

Manafov resigned from his position arguing SDPA with authoritarianism.

Manafov rejects his refusal from membership in the party. "SDPA will hold a meeting in September. I will demand resignation of Araz Alizade, party's co-chairman. The left parties reach serious successes in many countries. In Azerbaijan, however, left parties cannot reach any success. The activity of regional organizations of parties was paralyzed and party unites Alizade's people. There are no Ayaz Mutalibov's people represented in the party.

"I will demand the party leaders to attract reformist youths to the party," Manafov said. If Manafov failed to reach success, he will leave SDPA and establish the Left Democratic Party.

SDPA co-chairman told Trend that Manafov had kept silence so far, and now started to make such statement. "Perhaps, Manafov follows certain purposes. It will be better for him to clear his real intensions. The statement regarding absence of Mutalibov's supporters within the party also wrong. The party had equal number of supporters while Mutalibov and Alizade unite in the party. Later, some members left the party. If Manafov will make a decision to leave the party, nobody will attempt to stop him," Alizade said.

"Manafov failed to collect the necessary number of votes during the elections into the Central Committee. I asked to accept him to the Committee," Alizade said.

SDPA co-chairman did not believe that Manafov acts in accordance with Mutalibov's tutorship. "Mutalibov rejects party's participation, while Manafov intends to participate in the elections," Alizade said.

SDPA is a left wing opposition party. Alizade and Mutalibov are co-chairmen of the party. Mutalibov has been living in emigration in Moscow since 1992. Mutalibov was elected the first Azerbaijani President in 1991. In 1992, Mutalibov left the country for Moscow after coming of the Popular Front Movement to power. .   

Two opposition parties of Azerbaijan, which opposed each other for a long period of time, will be united in one Centre of Cooperation.

"There is no any problem to unitre the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA) and the Classical Popular Front Party (CPFP) in a new cooperation centre of opposition. Tensions between parties, which persisted earlier, are left back in history," Zalimkhan Mammadli, the chairman of the CPFPA Supreme Assembly said to Trend on 20 August.

Three opposition parties, including the Popular Front, the Liberal and the Citizen and Development, united in Azadlig bloc began to negotiate with opposition parties boycotting presidential elections in order to establish new centre of cooperation. The bloc held talks with Musavat, the CPFPA and the Public Forum of For Azerbaijan.

According to Mammadli, at present there is no any difference between the PFPA and CPFPA. "After it, cooperation of both parties is important for national interests," he said.

"It is expected that the new cooperation centre will be established on principle of long term strategic cooperation. Continuation of the center's activity will be discussed after the presidential elections," Mammadli said.

The opposition Yeni Zaman (Modern Times) party has brought an action against the Ministry of Justice as the latter refuses to grant a state registration to the party, Musa Agayev, the chairman of the party said.

The opposition Yeni Zaman party was founded on 15 July 2007. In August of the same year the documents of the party was submitted to the Ministry of Justice. However, the Ministry has not yet registered it and says that changes should be made to the documents of the party.

According to Agayev, though the documents of the party was corrected and submitted to the Ministry of Justice for already 7 months ago, the Ministry has not yet provided any feedback since then.

"The leadership of the party brought an action against the Ministry of Justice in Yasamal district court," Agayev said.

The opposition Azerbaijani National Unity Party (ANUP) will support candidature of the current President Ilham Aliyev, the chairman of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party (NAP), in the upcoming presidential elections.

"Earlier, we decided to support Ilham Aliyev even in the presidential elections in 2003and do not see any necessity to review this decision," Yunus Oguz, the chairman of the ANUP, told Trend on 21 August.

The presidential elections will be held in Azerbaijan on 15 October. Azadlig bloc, uniting three opposition parties (the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan, the Liberal Party and the Citizens and Development Party), the Classical Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan, the Open Society, the  Musavat, the Civil Solidarity, the Democratic, the Great Establishment, the Azadlig, the National Independence, the Social Democrat parties, as well as Eldar Namazov, the head of the Public Forum of 'For Azerbaijan', refused to participate in the elections with own candidates

According to Oguz, he does not see any necessity to nominate his candidature. "In 2003, when I withdrew from the presidential elections campaign, I stated that opposition should prepare for not the presidential elections of 2008, but the elections of 2013. Ilham Aliyev will win undoubtedly in these elections. We will participate in the propaganda campaign to support the President's candidature," he said. The statement that the elections will not be held on democratic conditions, does not have any grounds. "The Central Elections Commission (CEC) has confirmed 16 presidential contenders. Under the Constitution, any citizen can appeal to the highest position of the state. It is not necessary that all these candidates should belong to traditional opposition parties," Oguz said. Reasons of some opposition parties' refusal from the elections are known, he said. "It is weakness and cut in social base and the inability to meet the current requirements," Oguz said.

The ANUP was established in 1999. People, who left the Vahdat party, established the ANUP under Oguz's leadership.

The Azerbaijani opposition parties boycotting the presidential elections have agreed to establish a new unity.

"Negotiations on this matter are very constructive and I hope that we can form a new co-operation centre of the opposition soon," Ali Karimli, the chairman of the opposition Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (APFP), told journalists on 22 August.

The presidential elections will be held in Azerbaijan on 15 October. Majority of the opposition parties boycott the elections. The APFP, which is represented in Azadlig bloc, began negotiations to establish a new co-operation centre of the opposition.

Musavat Party, Liberal Party, Democratic Party, Citizen and Development Party, Classic Popular Front Party and APFP boycott the upcoming presidential elections.

"The opposition parties try to give a principle assessment to the elections, which they boycott, and this is our major principle. We will adopt a general document on the results of the elections after this assessment," Karimli said.

According to him, some opposition parties agreed to establish a new co-operation centre of the opposition. However, Karimli refused to publicize names of these parties.

"I can only say that the Musavat Party has agreed to join the centre," the chairman of the party said.

The opposition Democratic Party of Azerbaijan (DPA) considers that the parties' wide cooperation format, which refused to participate in the presidential elections, would not be implemented. "We have supervised that the key talks were directed to establish a union of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA) with Musavat," Sardar Jalaloglu, chairman of DPA, told Trend .

Azerbaijan will host the presidential elections on 15 October 2008. The Azadlig bloc, which unites three opposition parties - Popular Front, Liberal and Citizen and Development), as well as Classical Popular Front, Open Society, Musavat, Civil Solidarity, Democratic, Great Establishment, Azadlig parties and Eldar Namazov, head of the Public Forum For the name of Azerbaijan refused to participate in the forthcoming presidential elections.

The parties' cooperation centre, which refused from participation in the elections, was decided to establish at the meeting of the Azadlig Council of Chairmen. Fuad Mustafayev, an organization man from PFPA, was entrusted to hold the talks. Mustafayev said that the key aim of the cooperation was to adopt and approve the elections illegitimacy.

Jalaloglu said that so far, no talks have been held with DPA regarding the established cooperation format. "I believe that the talks are directed to lay foundation for cooperation between PFPA and Musavat,' Jalaloglu said.

Azerbaijani opposition Adalat party has not take the final decision regarding the presidential elections. "The meeting of party's Political Council is expected to be held until the end of August to take the final decision on the presidential elections," Elkhan Shukurlu, Deputy Chairman of Adalat party, told Trend .

Shukurlu said that Ilyas Ismayilov, Chairman of the party, visits Russia. Ismayilov is expected to come back to Baku on the next week. "Initially, Ismayilov did not want to nominate his candidature. However, it was not the final decision. The final decision will be made at the meeting of the Political Council," Shukurlu said.

Adalat Party was founded in 1993. In 1996, the party joined a different opposition party, the Democratic Party. However, in 2000 Adalat was then re-established by separating from the Democratic Party. MP Ilyas Ismaylov has been the chairman of the party since 2001. Ismaylov was a candidate for the presidential post during the elections in 2003.

The opposition Azerbaijan National Independence Party (ANIP) officially refused to join the co-operation format of the opposition parties boycotting the presidential elections. "The issue has been discussed at the leading structures of the party, where the ANIP's participation in new co-operation organization was considered as unreasonable," Ali Orujov, the deputy chairman of the ANIP, told Trend on 22 August.

Azadlig bloc Board of Chairmen made a decision to establish a co-operation centre of the parties, which refused to join the presidential elections, at the meeting held last week. Fuad Mustafayev, the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan functionary, was authorized to negotiate on behalf of the bloc in this regard. The main principle of the co-operation is to accept and confirm the elections as illegitimate, Mustafayev said. "We will co-operate with the parties, which accept this principle," he said.

Orujov stated that Mustafayev, the deputy chairman of the PFPA, contacted with him through telephone on this matter. "As a result of discussions, it was clarified that our positions did not coincide," Orujov said and noted that any co-operation format should have strategic aims. "However, it appears that the format is established only in connection with the elections due to initiators of co-operation format. The establishment of such organizations is useless. Moreover, during establishment of any organization, the interests of other parties being represented in it should be taken into consideration, as well as terms of any party should not be dictated," Orujov said. Other major difference between the ANIP and Azadlig bloc, where the PFPA joined, is their attitude toward the presidential elections, he said. "The bloc boycotted the elections. We did not join the elections for the lack of own candidate. These are different things," the ANIP deputy chairman said.

The ANIP was established in 1992 and is the first officially registered party. Etibar Mammadov was a founder and chairman of this party until 2004. At present, Mammadov is the deputy chairman of the International Democratic Society. Rustamov was elected the chairman of the ANIP at the congress on 22 January in 2006.

Nagorno-Karabakh

The Armenian Armed Forces violated the ceasefire by firing at the Azerbaijani National Army's positions on 17 August from 08.00a.m.to 08.25a.m. and 10.40p.m to 11.30p.m and on 18 August from 00.10a.m. to 00.25a.m. from the positions in nameless height of Fuzuli Region and from positions near to Ashagi Abdurrahmanli and Hervend villages, from 00.50a.m. to 01.00a.m. from the position near to Kuropatkino village of Khojavand Region, from 00.30a.m. to 00.45a.m. from stationing place near Yusifjanli village of Agdam Region, Defense Ministry of Azerbaijan said.

The National Army of Azerbaijan retaliated and no casualties were reported.

Azerbaijan has handed over the Armenian hostage. Grant Gabrielian, 27, of Machqala village of Khojavand region and Armenian by origin, was taken hostage on 16 August.

The hostage was handed over to Armenia on 19 August at noon in Bash Garvand village of Aghdam region of Azerbaijan at the presence of the representatives of Baku Office of International Red Cross Committee, said Shahin Sailov, secretary of the State Commission on Hostages, POWs and Missing People.

Last week Azerbaijan handed over one more hostage to Armenia.

Today is the 15th anniversary of occupation of Azerbaijan's districts of Fizuli and Jabrail by the armed forces of Armenia. On 23 August 1993, 51 villages and center of Fizuli district were seized by the Armenians, more than 55,000 inhabitants left their Native Land. Fizuli district covers the territory from the southeastern slopes of Karabakh Mountain range to Araz River. It is border with Azerbaijanїs districts of Jabrail, Agjabadi, Beylagan and Iran along Araz River.

The territory of the Fizuli district is 1386 sq.km, the population is approximately 105,000 people. Some 13 settlements and 20 villages are located on the territory of district, freed from the occupation. Twelve of the settlements are constructed after release, and the families of internally displaced persons have been temporarily placed there. At present 51,000 IDPs reside on the territory.

Beginning from 1988, Fizuli district is a subject to the constant attacks of the Armenians. As a result of occupation, more than 1,100 inhabitants of fizuli became martyrs, 113 - were taken prisoner, 1,450 people obtained disablement.

As a result the seizure of Jabrail district, of which territory is 1,050 sq.km, 72 secondary school buildings, eight hospitals, five mosques, two museums, 129 historical monuments, 149 cultural centers left in the occupation.

61100 IDPs from Jabrail district settled in more than 2,000 habitable points in 58 regions of the country.

Latest

Latest