Ilham Aliyev blames opposition and recognizes corruption of his officials

President Ilham Aliyev once again attacked the opposition, accusing it of "treachery."

"We have a stable internal situation. Stability is guarded. The main key to stability is the unity of the people and the government, support from the people to our affairs, their confidence," he said, speaking yesterday at a conference on socio- economic development of regions.

However, he pointed out the futility of pressure from outside. "The activities of some corrupt opposition groups have no effect. Those who tried to mess under our feet were again disgraced. It was also shown by the last presidential election. Most people did not support their dirty campaign. People voted for the reality and for the person who they believe. Therefore, those who receive donations from abroad, who sell their conscience to foreigners, have no place in Azerbaijani politics.

It was also shown by the last election. The last election was the end of the opposition. It was the peak of their shame," said Aliyev.

Next Aliyev acknowledged corruption in government. "Given all this, why should we turn a blind eye to corruption and bribery? Why should this disease undermine and poison us from the inside? So I tell all to learn a lesson. Penalties are taken and will be taken. In this regard, no one has immunity.

Government officials are to serve the people. First I am a servant of the people and all the government officials should do so. Therefore, I reiterate that in the future people who indulge in bribery will be severely punished.

In the coming five years, Azerbaijan should become a model country in the fight against bribery and corruption, "said Aliyev.

It is noteworthy that the orders of Ilham Aliyev on the approval of income declaration forms by the officials released in 2005 are still not executed by the Cabinet, to which, after the election, he again expressed his confidence.

Aliyev's own declaration on his income, which during the campaign he presented to the CEC , the authority has not made public, despite the insistence of the candidate of the National Council Jamil Hasanli .

Generally Aliyev's rhetoric is reminiscent of the Soviet ideological cliches of the nomenclature times, when those officials called themselves "public servants" and enjoyed a kind of privilege - official cars, special shops and special delivery, while the " masters of the country" - ordinary citizens were forced to live in constant lack of everything. -06D -