The appeal of Rustam Ibrahimbayov the National Council of Democratic Forces

It is an important step when the National Council should develop the Program of Action for the third presidential term of Ilham Aliyev. Our organization created on the eve of the presidential elections in 2013, at that stage has successfully fulfilled its historic mission: a single presidential candidate from the National Council, Jamil Hasanli, received the support of the majority of voters; for the first time in the last twenty years the international community has recognized that the presidential elections in Azerbaijan did not meet the generally accepted democratic norms. The greatest contribution to our common victory made two parties: the Popular Front and Musavat. There was a weighty support of the Classic Popular Front Party, of the Movement "El", and several others. It is hoped that all these parties and organizations will continue to support the idea of the National Council as a national union of democratic forces.

To date, the activities of the Council have identified the readiness of the Azerbaijani society to democratic reforms. Previously fragmented opposition forces have demonstrated the ability to put national interest above the interests of the arty, and effectively work together. This gives a hope that the National Council will continue to play a consolidating role in the democratic reforms in Azerbaijan.

But, as a man who had put forward the idea of the National Council, I understood when it was created, that the makeup of such a broad coalition of democratic forces will change over time because of the long-standing inter-party disputes. For example, democratically oriented media suddenly started publishing dissatisfaction with the results of the presidential elections and the actions of the National Council in the pre-election period. I regard such assessments biased. Under the conditions when the ruling regime with the help of huge financial resources, administrative resources, and apparatus of violence regime started an open election fraud, the democratic forces could win only a moral victory, and what we have achieved it.

Now I would like to say some words about the future of the National Council, which will continue to be subjected to all kinds of attacks by the authorities. It is clear that for various reasons some of the members of the Council may leave it. But I am convinced that those who sincerely believe in the inevitability of reform of the corrupt regime in the country, that violates all the fundamental rights of citizens, will join us.

As a man is such belief I intend to participate actively in the work of the National Council, I, nevertheless, would like to bring up at the coming session the question on my leaving the post of the chairman of the National Council.

In recent years I have paid a lot of time and effort to political activity aimed at shaping public opinion in the country which power would respect. Participation in the Forum of Intellectuals and the National Council demand from me the activity which now I can not continue due to a number of objective reasons. Because of my activity I have to stay abroad for long periods; I have to perform my creative obligations for which, alas, I have too little time.

I suggest to the presidency in the National Council the candidature of Professor Jamil Hasanli, who is so appreciated in Azerbaijan and beyond it, and in the last presidential election, it became clear that in his face our people gained an outstanding politician.

I think it is important that the National Council of Democratic Forces should be led by a brilliant representative of the national intelligentsia, who came into politics at the call of the soul, and has selfless to the victory of democracy in Azerbaijan. In my opinion, such person is Jamil Hasanli.

Sincerely,

Rustam Ibrahimbayov