Azeri authorities sanction anti-Armenian protest

ANS TV, Baku
9 Sep 04

The Baku executive authorities have replied in the affirmative to the
request of the United People’s Front of Azerbaijan Party to hold a
protest against the arrival of Armenian servicemen who are planning
to visit Azerbaijan to participate in exercises to be held in Baku
within the framework of NATO’s Partnership for Peace programme [on
13-26 September].

However, minor changes have been made. The Baku authorities gave
permission to the party to hold the protest not outside the Nariman
Narimanov cinema as requested, but near the Xatai underground station
outside the Xatai culture centre. The sanctioned protest, which is
expected to be attended by thousands of people, is to start at 1200
[0700 gmt] on 12 September.

The party’s chairman, MP Qudrat Hasanquliyev, has told ANS that a
group of MPs will not join the Milli Maclis [parliament] session
tomorrow in protest against the Armenian servicemen’s expected
visit to Baku. These are Qudrat Hasanquliyev, Alimammad Nuriyev,
Rufat Agalarov and Mais Safarli. Talks are under way with other MPs,
and the list is likely to expand.
From: Baghdasarian