Elections: Azeri ruling party says president's son Aliyev's natural successor

The deputy chairman of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party (NAP), Press and Information Minister Siruz Tabrizli, delivered his party's third election broadcast on Azerbaijani state TV at 1700 gmt on 18th October.

He praised President Heydar Aliyev's activity both in Soviet times and since independence. He appealed to the electorate to help ensure a continuation of this successful activity. "We want to continue our work. And you should help Heydar Aliyev and his party so that parliament does not impede the passing of laws which are drawn up according to Heydar Aliyev's wishes and in your favour," Tabrizli said.

"We need MPs who will support Heydar Aliyev's wishes in parliament. Therefore, we believe that this time as well you will draw this conclusion and vote for Heydar Aliyev's party and the candidates he supports," the minister said.

"We have defined the party's future leader," Tabrizli continued. "Ilham Aliyev is the worthiest candidate to hold the position of party chairman in future and he is the worthiest candidate to be head of state," he said.

The NAP deputy chairman praised the candidates on the party's proportional list and vowed that the party would continue its successful activity.

"We did not select Ilham Aliyev to be first on our list because he is Heydar Aliyev's son. But the fact that he is the son of such a man also speaks his favour, in our party's favour and in your favour."

Tabrizli told voters that in voting for the NAP's proportional and majority lists and for independent candidates supported by the party, "you will vote for your happy future".

"I do believe that if the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline works, our lights will never go out and we will always have gas, and it will even be possible to provide the Azerbaijani people with free gas and electricity. Therefore, we ask for your votes to be able to continue our activities. I am sure that our wise people will vote for the New Azerbaijan Party and we will fulfil your wishes," he said in conclusion.

Source: Azerbaijani TV, Channel One, Baku, in Azeri 1700 gmt 18 Oct 00

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Posted October 23, 2000 © Eurasianet
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