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Azerbaijani opposition likely to set up broad coalition

04 August 2008 11:55 (UTC +04:00)

Baku. Elnur Mammadli â€“ APA. â€œIt is possible that opposition parties will set up a coalition after their decision on refusing to participate in the presidential elections. I think serious discussions should start about it,â€ member of Azadlig blocâ€™s Council of Chairmen, leader of National Unity Movement Lala Shovkat told APA. She said though the oppositionâ€™s arena was narrow enough, joint steps should be taken for common principles. Lala Shovkat noted that the decision of Musavat Party, Azerbaijan Democratic Party, Classical Popular Front Party and other parties in connection with the elections was right.
â€œHalf a year ago Azadlig bloc stated that they will not participate in the elections, unless democratic election situation is created. We officialized our decision after the parliament amended the law. Almost the whole opposition boycotts the elections now. This is a right decision, but a little bit late. If the decision had been made soon after the amendments to the law, it would be more effective,â€ she said.
Head of Musavat Partyâ€™s Central Executive Board Arif Hajili told APA that all possible steps would be taken in line with the Electoral Code.
â€œWe will observe the elections, hold mass rallies and take such measures. We will try to make the people more active,â€ he said.
Arif Hajili also noted that no talks were held with other opposition parties in terms of cooperation.
â€œOne of the factors impeding the cooperation between Musavat and Azadlig bloc was the different position concerning the elections. We said the cooperation would be possible even if Musavat participated in the elections, but the bloc members said it was impossible.
This impediment has been lifted of and I think that if there is real political position behind the sounded calls, then any cooperation will be possibleâ€, he said. Hajili noted that several international actors had appealed to Musavat Party to conduct discussions.
â€œWe will determine our position on how the relations with international actors will be establishedâ€, he said.
Sardar Jalaloglu, Head of Azerbaijan Democratic Party stated that there was a new situation in the country and he was against hast decision. To him, new situation should be assessed by all sides.
â€œSometimes we take steps without clearance of political reality and it is not in our favor. We should clarify all the process. We are not aware of position of the US, OSCE and the Council of Europe. Measures will not be effective when our decisions are not delivered to proper bodiesâ€, he said.
Igbal Agazadeh, Chairman of Umid Party did not intend to revise decisions of other parties.
â€œAll parties account their recourses, capabilities, benefits for democracy. They have several services in the society and electorates. I consider that opposition can take measures to form union. The parties should not boycott the elections and they ensure active participation of supporters in observation of electionâ€, he said.