Opposition Forces Hols Event on Occasion of 100th Anniversary of Azerbaijan People�s Republic

Baku / 28.05.18 / Turan: Representatives of a wide range of Azerbaijani opposition forces held an event on May 27, devoted to the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Azerbaijani People's Republic (APR: 1918-20).

The meeting was organized by the Musavat Party in the Culture Palace named after Sattar Bahlulzadeh in the Baku suburb of Surakhani.

The head of Musavat Arif Hajili called the proclamation of the APR on May 28 a great event. It became the first republic in the Muslim East. Noting that the APR fell after 2 years as a result of the occupation by Soviet Russia, he made parallels with the present day.

In the opinion of Hajili, the current regime of Azerbaijan relies on Russia and, for this reason, the country has unresolved problems. According to him, the authorities, although they declared 1918 the Year of the Republic, the 100th anniversary of the APR was not prepared at the appropriate level. There is no festive atmosphere in the country. "In this country neither the poor, nor the rich, nor the officials, nor the ordinary citizens feel happy, because of this heavy moral climate," said Hajili.

He criticized the recent repression against the Popular Front Party and regarded it as ignoring the public opinion by the power.

No regime is stronger than the people and eventually this power will leave the stage, Hajili said.

The former head of Musavat, the head of the National Strategic Thought Center, Isa Gambar, recalled that the government that restored Azerbaijan"s independence under the leadership of Abulfaz Elchibey took APR"s values for guidelines in the state building. However, the current regime that seized power began to pursue a policy contrary to democratic principles. Gambar also noted the influence of Russia on the policy in Azerbaijan and linked the unresolved problems of the country with this factor.

"This regime has been in power for 25 years, but it's not worth losing heart." Twenty-five years is nothing for history," Gambar said.

He pointed to the absurdity of the accusations of PFPA activists of "money laundering". There is nothing illegal in donating money in favor of a trusted organization. "It turns out that someone to transfer money to someone else should ask Aliyev's authority for a license," Gambar said sarcastically.

In his view, the persecution of opposition members on such ridiculous charges increasingly reveals the impotence of power.

The head of the National Council of Democratic Forces, Jamil Hasanli, said the creation of a democratic republic 100 years ago became possible due to the strength of the people. And the people will send the current regime of Azerbaijan to the dustbin of history, he said.

Other participants also noted that the current authorities are a hindrance to the development of democracy.

On May 28, festive events will be continued in the village of Novkhany at the monument to Mammad Emin Rasulzadeh. -06D--