LEVON MELIK-SHAHNAZARYAN DESCRIBES THE UPCOMING ELECTIONS IN AZERBAIJAN AS "ILHAM ALIYEV’S APPOINTMENT"

armradio.am
18.03.2008 17:58

"What is expected in Azerbaijan in spring is not a presidential
election but an appointment of the person named "Ilham Aliyev." Today
no President over the CIS territory has as solid bases as Ilham
Aliyev," political scientist, analyst Levon Melik-Shahnazaryan told a
press conference today. Therefore, according to him, everything will
remain the same in both foreign and domestic policy of Azerbaijan,
and any changes should not be expected.

The political scientist assures that there is no serious opposition
in Azerbaijan; moreover, there are no "unserious" opposition forces
that can unite and struggle for the President’s position. "There is
even no mention about this. Therefore, in those elections there will
be a competition for the second place only.

The political scientist is assured that after Ilham Aliyev’s term
in office comes to an end, his wife, and later his son will run
for President.

Until there is oil in Azerbaijan, the positions of the Aliyevs’ clan
will be very firm in that country, Levon Melik-Shahnazaryan considers.