I. Aliyev Finds Culprit of All Troubles in Person of Popular Front, but Opposition Does Not Remain in Debt

Baku / 16.07.20 / Turan: Another wave of accusations of treason against the opposition was voiced on behalf of the head of state during a government meeting on July 15.

I. Aliyev began by welcoming the rally of thousands of people in the capital late in the evening of July 14, whose participants were eager for the front and demanded the resignation of the military leadership.

“Unfortunately, after the march, groups of provocateurs who committed hooligan actions and tried to disturb public order joined the demonstrators at the Alley of Martyrs,” Aliyev said. He noted that he ordered the police to find and punish the hooligans. At the same time, he expressed confidence that this is the work of the "fifth column" in the person of the Popular Front Party and the National Council.

The head of state in an extremely emotional form promised that this time the toughest measures would be taken and the “anti-state activity” of these enemy elements would be put to an end.

At the same time, Aliyev did not explain why he considers the criticism and dissatisfaction of the population with the policy of the authorities a provocation of the opposition.

In turn, the Popular Front Party and the National Council rejected the accusations of the head of state as unfounded and absurd.

“Such a speech by the head of state, cannot be called other than a shame. This is a call for new repression,” the Popular Front Party statement said.

With the outbreak of hostilities, the Popular Front Party and the National Council appealed to all citizens to put aside disagreements and stop criticizing the authorities, uniting around the idea of ​​supporting the army and the state.

“PFPA leader Ali Kerimli openly called for an end to criticism of the government and all efforts to be directed towards the fight against Armenian aggressors.

This appeal has found widespread support among the country's population.

Instead of thanking us, Aliyev declared us enemies,” the statement said.

“Instead of making calls for civil solidarity, the head of state is busy looking for enemies where they are not. If the authorities believe that by eliminating the opposition, they will protect themselves from the wrath of the people, then they are very mistaken,” the statement said.

In turn, the head of the National Council, Jamil Hasanli, also condemned the speech of I. Aliyev, calling it "unacceptable."

The Armenian diaspora has intensified and is taking steps to exert pressure on Baku by the international community.

An amendment prohibiting the provision of military assistance to Azerbaijan has already been submitted to the US Congress. The proposed project will be more serious than the infamous 907th amendment. It is not difficult to imagine the consequences if this document is adopted.

Instead of looking for enemies in their country, the authorities need to step up diplomacy and prevent the adoption of anti-Azerbaijani documents in Washington, Hasanli writes.-02B-