Press conference of A.Turajonzoda

Newspaper Courier Tajikistana (No.43) published summary of press conference by deputy chairman of United Tajik Opposition Khoji Akbar Turajonzoda, in which he expressed ultimate disagreement with position of chairman of Commission for National Reconciliation S.A.Nuri. The latter threatened that he would recall his representatives from CNR. A.Turajonzoda is convinced that CNR must continue work, and considers that statement of S.A.Nuri confronts the peace process in RT. He called to his supporters, first of all members of Islamic Revival Party, not to endanger the main accomplishment – amendments in Constitution on legalization of political organizations, and to prevent confrontation in the society. Other members of presidium of UTO also expressed their disagreement with leader of IRP – chairman of Democratic Party (Almaty platform) Mahmadruzi Iskandarov and chairman of sub-commission for military issues of CNR deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Habib Sanginov.

Conflict in Islamic Revival Party

Newspaper vecherni Dushnbe (No.42) published statement of Islamic Revival Party, signed by its chairman Sayeed Abdullo Nuri. The statement says that for improper behavior, expressed in actions contradicting the charter of the party, leadership of IRP expelled A.Turajonzoda from the party and recalled him from the position of first Vice-Premier of government of the country. Special dissatisfaction of leader of UTO was caused by statement of Turajonzoda, made on October 16, in which he ultimately disagreed with decision of opposition, and suported thecandidacy of E.Rahmonov at upcomng presidential elections, which contradicts the charter of IRP. A.turajonzoda, commenting on this statement, said in interview to BBC that he had never been a member of IRP, and that members of presidium of the party requested him to agree to take this post before the congress. He explained his support to candidacy of E.Rahmonov with interest of preserving peace in the country.

We are for Emomali Rahmonov!

The Republican Public Association "Slavianski Soyuz" published a statement under such title in newspaper Vecherni Dushanbe No. 42). The statement notes the merits of the president of the country in establishing and strengthening peace, repatriation of refugees, improvement of international prestige and recognition of the republic, struggle against narcobusiness. The authors asked a question of necessity in choosing another candidate, not tested by time and by deeds, in comparison with E.rahmonov who already proved himself, and called to the population to take part in elections and vote for candidacy of the current head of state. The statement was signed by chairman of coordination committee of public organizations "Slavianski Soyuz" V.Radililovski and members of the council, chairpersons of 15 Slavic communities and cultural centers of Tajikistan.

Disagreement in UTO: necessity or incident?

Newspper Biznes i Politika (No.42) published an article of politologist S.Sharipov, in which he analyzes the reasons for the growing split in United Tajik Opposition. By his opinion, disagreement on importnt isues between leaders of opposition is an objective process, and should be perceived normally. The different by goals and objectives parties – Islamic Revival Party, Democratic Party and others had to unite in one block to survive. Now that the society is in the state of political balance each party seeks its place in political structure of the country. At the same time the author indicates that leaders of partis of UTO should be more careful with their words and statements. Each leader has certain political influence and supporters in amed formations, and confrontation among them might lead to deterioration of military-political situation. The author advised the parties whose candidates failed to collect enough signatures to concentrate on prparation for parliamentary elections, and to improve the deficiencies of legislation by legal instruments, including active work at CNR. S.Shariopov also believes that the non-alternative position of E.Rahmonov at the forthcoming elecions would attract yet more attention to transparency and fairness of the elections on behalf of international observers and political parties, and therefore the ruling party – the People’s Democratic Party – should carefully control the elections. That would determine its image at the future parliament elecions.

US concerned with situation with presidential election in Tajikistan

Information agency Asia-Plus (A-P Blitz No.200)informed that the US government expressed concern about the situation with candidates for presidential elections in Tajikistan. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of USA in RT Robert Finn said that to journalists in the evening of October 20, after a meeting with President of RT E.Rahmonov. The meeting was closed for press, and lasted more than two hours. The American diplomat informed that he relayed to President of RT the concern of his government in regard of "existing regulations and, probably, administrative obstacles which in the process of campaigning create the situation which creates an impression that the elections might be held not in fair and transparent atmosphere". The ambassador positively assessed the efforts of President of RT in implementation of peace accords, and expressed hope that "judicial or legal ways for solving the situation can be found, so that the Republic continues its democratic development". Answering the question what could be the effect on relations between RT and USA and the whole international community if the elections are still held not in "fair and transparent atmosphere" Robert Finn said: "USA hopes that the problem will be resolved, and no preconditions would appear for any consequences that might influence our relations".