Press Review 07/25/13

Official newspapers write about a meeting between Ilham Aliyev and winners of the XXVII World Summer Universiade, held in Kazan this July.

Azadlig writes that Ramiz Mehdiyev, head of the Presidential Administration, prevented the appointment of Ambassador Eldar Hasanov to one of the highest positions, thereby impeding the plans of the Pashaev’s clan.

The arrest of Rahib Hajiyev, a member of the Popular Front on charges of drug possession is regarded as a continuation of a smear campaign by the authorities against the opposition.

Official Baku presented an ultimatum to former Deputy Prime Minister Abbas Abbasov, suggesting that Abbasov make a statement against Rustam Ibrahimbekov and Soyun Sadygov. If Abbasov complies with the request, the relationship between the authorities of Azerbaijan and Abbasov may normalize.

Authorities did not allow a rally by the electoral bloc Islahat (reform) in support of Mehriban Aliyeva as a presidential candidate.

Approximately 20,000 students who applied for entry into universities earned about a hundred points, which is regarded as the lowest education standard.

Zerkalo says that Azerbaijan is the region’s leader in the number of broadband Internet users.

Express writes that teachers are competing for 3,286 vacant position – there are about 19,000 people in search of teaching jobs.

Bizim Yol writes about the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Azerbaijan.

Yeni Musavat writes about the upcoming meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Rustam Ibrahimbekov, the single candidate from the National Council.

Opposition parties note with regret that several international organizations refused to send observers to Azerbaijan to monitor the presidential election.