Government Officials Are to Blame - Ilham Aliyev

On Wednesday, during a meeting of the state commission on the causes of fire in the 16-storey residential building, it became clear that several state agencies are responsible for the use of the flammable cladding, which caused the death of 15 people.

Deputy Prime Minister Abid Sharifov indicated that the builders did not comply with standards and security measures. Attorney General Zakir Garalov indicated that the lining was not properly tested and certified, and the executive authorities did not conclude an agreement on the facing of buildings.

Kamaladdin Heydarov, Minister of Emergency Situations said that certificates were issued for a single material, but then the local producers did not add necessary supplements to the material.

In fact, it demonstrated complete violation of all norms and rules of construction, not to mention the security measures. Thus, government agencies demonstrated that there are no rules for them, but they act as they are told to.

The meeting did not consider why "a lot of work on improvement” of the capital is carried out so ineptly and criminally?

The President acknowledged that an investigation had to be conducted even after the first of the three fires, but he did not answer why this was not done.

Not getting a clear answer to the question "Who is to blame?", the President turned his wrath on anonymous government officials doing lawlessness.

"When I ask, no one knows what. Either the local executives, or the heads of the city executive power, - nobody knows," said Aliyev in anger, naming as an example the illegal construction of villas opposite the beach Shikhov.

"I instructed Hajibala Abutalibov and he found out that all the buildings under construction were illegal. I said: “Go and demolish them.”

Recently, I saw again that next to the park Dostlug villas were built. I entrusted to find out who built them. Not a single person came out. I told them to demolish one of the villas so that we could see who was behind this. No one came. I said that if it is so, if they do not belong to anybody, they should be demolished to be a lesson to others.

Such arbitrariness is impossible. I have repeatedly said that there must be order. In the first place, all officials should set an example. Places are seized, illegal construction is carried out. Then they document it by illegal means," Ilham Aliyev said.

"Unlawful and arbitrary actions must be stopped. If they continue this, I will not only take them off from work - these people will be brought to justice. There are no untouchable people," said Aliyev.

"I have repeatedly said that the officers should act properly, contact with people and not hurt them. I said that, but I see that there are still those who do not fulfill my instructions.

Recently, several businessmen have been held accountable for the fact that they had stolen public funds. Family members of officials commit a crime and want to evade the responsibility. Unfortunately, there are government officials patronizing such people and trying to justify them.

No one can avoid liability, especially civil servants," Aliyev said in conclusion. -02D-