Public objects to Armenian’s planned visit

Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
Sept 14 2004

Azerbaijani people have not shared the presently-observed unity of
views for many years. Regardless of party affiliation, positions
held or views adhered to, the Azeri public has voiced a joint protest
against the planned arrival of Armenian officers to attend the NATO
exercises, which started in Baku on September 13.

The protest actions, which started early this month, are still
underway.

Some 400 members of non-government organizations (NGOs) held an
unsanctioned march on September 11 which ended in signing a joint
declaration by over 250 NGOs. On the same day, another march, started
by the Garabagh Liberation Organization (GLO) from the Cemetery
of Martyrs, was prevented by the police. Employees of the ANS TV
channel also visited the Cemetery. Then, ANS TV and Radio suspended
their broadcastings for two hours, and showed films displaying the
atrocities and numerous crimes committed by Armenian soldiers against
the Azeri people.

On September 12, representatives of socio-political organizations and
other individuals held a sanctioned rally outside the Khatai cultural
palace in protest against the Armenians’ planned arrival.

The protesters held slogans “Keep away Armenian murderers”, “Death
to aggressor”, “Down with NATO’s double standard”, “Not train with
Armenians, but fight them”. In conclusion, a resolution was read out.

Parliament members have also expressed acute protests against the
Armenian officers’ intended visit. Seven MPs refused to attend a
parliamentary session on September 7 in this connection. Speaker
Murtuz Alasgarov said he agreed with the objections voiced by the MPs.

On September 10 Defense Minister Safar Abiyev said he strongly
objects to Armenians’ intended arrival, since there are no diplomatic
relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. He also mentioned that
Azerbaijan refused to attend NATO exercises held in Armenia last
year. On September 11, President Ilham Aliyev, during his meeting
with the refugees living in Barda, expressed his disagreement with
Armenian’s intended participation in NATO exercises in Azerbaijan.*