The oppositional political parties started to propose alternative methods to influence the negative processes in the public-political life of the country. The “Azadlig” bloc discusses its temporary suspension, while the ADP plans to initiate the joint “national forum” to start the dialogue with the government. (23-DEC-06)

Written by Shahla Ismailova/HRH Baku on the basis of information received from Turan IA, Day.Az IA, Today.Az.IA, Yeni Musavat newspaper; photos by Turan IA, Yeni Musavat newspaper.

The aim of the “Azadlig” bloc is to attract the attention of the international community to the difficult situation with the freedom of speech, democracy and pluralism in Azerbaijan. The plan to suspend the activity of the “Azadlig” bloc for a while, does not suppose to influence the political processes from inside, but rather to stop being the democratic decoration for the government. Commenting the issue, the governmental officials stress the unimportance of this step of opposition and evaluate it as “another prove of oppositional weakness”.

National forum
Sardar Jalaloglu (on the right), the deputy head of ADP suggests the conduct of the “National Forum” with participation of representatives from political parties, government, NGO-s, trade unions, mass media outlets. The forum is to be devoted to a number of issues of key importance for the development of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. “I believe that we can organize this forum and sit together to discuss the common national problems” said Sardar Jalaloglu. He has already officially applied to the president of Azerbaijan with the letter, which contained “I believe that with your action you will prove the readiness to the dialogue, as you have stated in the public”. However, the activists of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party denied the receipt of such a letter.