Jamil Hasanli: the main priority is to provide social justice

On September 4, for two hours, a single candidate for the presidency of the National Council, Jamil Hasanli, answered numerous questions in the live radio station "Voice of America." The questions focused on the conditions for conducting democratic, fair presidential elections, the unification of the opposition, the Karabakh conflict, social issues, the effects of the oil factor on people's lives, the problems of South Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijani-Russian relations, the integration into Western institutions, human rights and democracy .

Answering these questions, Hasanli the said that the presidential elections in Azerbaijan is controlled by a one-party system. "I think a two-term presidency, 10 years, is a good opportunity to serve the people, but to run for a third term is a step backwards.

It means that people are deprived of the right to chose and restore the belief in itself. 

The authorities must respect this right of the people, and the country should form a tradition of peaceful transfer of power through elections," said Hasanly. Commenting on questions of foreign policy, Hasanli noted that the strategy of foreign policy has been formulated in the Memorandum and the Declaration of the National Council. 

"It is important to carry out this program. Azerbaijan's independence is an irreversible process, and we need to make sure that the citizens have seen the fruits," said Hasanli. Answering questions of historical character, Hasanli said that the question on the annexation of South Azerbaijan and Derbent is a matter of history. Azerbaijan should not have territorial claims against its neighbors.

As for Karabakh, the restoration of the territorial integrity of the country is very important question. 

Concerning the use of oil revenues, - "use them all, except the people of Azerbaijan." 

The more oil, the poorer people live, says the candidate. "The Coast of Caspian has been almost captured by so-called businessmen lined up around the sea - a Chinese wall." "I brought up this issue when I was a member of parliament. It is unacceptable that ordinary citizens pay for visiting the beach," he said. Speaking about the agricultural situation, it should be noted that the future of the country depends on the issue, but more so from the recovery of agriculture.

Concerning the situation of the state budget, Hasanli noted that 92% of the budget is in Baku and only 8% in the regions of the country. The single candidate sharply criticized the social policy of the authorities. According to him, the standard of living for the population of Azerbaijan is much lower in comparison with other countries. It is necessary to support disabled people and pensioners, and to provide labor rights. Today, one million people who live in this country on 130 manat a month are pensioners, and that is unacceptable/. -03D04-