R. Ibragimbekov: To Start Formation of the National Council

A renowned playwright, member of the Intelligentsia Forum Rustam Ibragimbekov appealed to the citizens of Azerbaijan to demonstrate civic activity.

In a message posted on the website Contact.az, the playwright notes that the tension in the country increases and punitive actions by the authorities against civil society activists and the opposition give the opposite effect. "They only aggravate the situation and push the country into a massive explosion with unpredictable consequences," said Ibragimbekov.

"The criminal nature of the existing regime is evident to many people and we unwittingly have a feeling of shame when we ask the question why we put up with this for so many years. Where is our intelligence? Why are they silent?

All the people I met were concerned that the stubborn refusal of the Azerbaijani authorities to make serious efforts to reduce corruption and arrange democratization of the regime (which is impossible without major staff changes) can lead to an explosion of popular anger. And everyone knows that the probability of such a course of events will be amplified if the next presidential election is held in the way traditional for us to rig the election results.

Azerbaijani citizens also attach their hopes for the future with the upcoming elections, which undoubtedly will be at a much higher voter turnout. But the experience of other countries shows that without international support it is difficult to ensure the transparency and integrity of the election. It is also clear that international support comes only where it is called.

 I am convinced that we will also be supported in the election, if we turn to the world community. This should be done as soon as possible on behalf of all the democratic forces of the country.

To my mind, it's time to get down to the formation of the National Council, which is an idea supported by the representatives of the leading political forces of the country.

The National Council should include figures, who have won the trust of the people, regardless of their party affiliation, positions and ideological beliefs. (Work at the National Council may be held also by people, who live outside Azerbaijan). The number of the National Council will be established in the process of its formation, with representatives of the regions of the republic. Again, the main criterion for selection will be a public authority and a willingness to participate in the creation of the state, living in accordance with the Constitution.

The National Council will determine the overall strategy of the democratic forces, the conditions for fair and honest elections. And then it will proceed to nominate a single candidate for President with the views of all major political forces and parties.

The power will no doubt continue to do everything to prevent change in the existing situation in the country and we must be prepared for any provocations, which already have ample evidence.

Spring comes, awakening from the winter cold not only nature, but also the Azeri society tired of years of winter on the “Aliyev mode”.

My current affairs are so that by the end of March I will have to be outside Azerbaijan. But at any moment, when my friends at the Forum of Intellectuals consider that my presence is necessary and in the interest of the case, I will arrive in Baku immediately, even under threat of arrest," the statement says. -0 –