Opposition news

PFPA reform wing warns of third wing

Executive of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA) Isak Avazoglu demonstrated to journalists Friday a videocassette displaying a meeting in the conference hall of the Azadlig newspaper's editorial office on April 28. He said the party's expelled members Gudrat Husseinguliyev and Arif Pasha met with 44 former and 2 present party members in the editorial office of the Azadlig newspaper on that day without prior announcement. Mr. Avazoglu said the gathering aimed to set up a new wing, not to unite as is alleged.

The PFPA split into reform and classical wings following the death of the ex-president, chairman of the party A. Elchibay.

Musavat, US Republican Institute to implement joint programs

Chairman of the Musavat Party Isa Gambar met with the Regional Director of the US International Institute of Republicans for Eurasia Stephen Nicks at the party's headquarters Wednesday.

The two discussed the situation and prospects of the development of democracy in Azerbaijan and exchanged views on development of relations between the party and the institute which has resumed its work in Azerbaijan, as well as implementation of joint programs, according to the party.

Civil Unity Party warns Armenian lobby

Chief of the Political Department of the Civil Unity Party (CUP) Ramiz Aziz has sent a warning message to the Armenian lobby following media reports that it will give $25,000 to families agreeing to move to Garabagh, the occupied region of Azerbaijan. The lobby has also promised to award $8,000 to families where a third child is given birth to.

Armenia and Armenian lobby overseas should know that Azerbaijan is able to free its lands and it will do it for sure, the warning reads. "It is time to start anti-terrorist operations in Garabagh", Mr. Aziz stressed.

PFPA classical wing braced for congress

The meeting of the Supreme Majlis of the PFPA classical wing has decided to hold its fourth (seventh) congress, with an organizational committee of 25 party members set up. 8 people from each of the two wings of the split party can also be included in the committee.

The committee will be approved and the agenda of the congress be determined in a meeting due on June 24, according to the party.

Opposition condemns picket

Chairman of the Musavat Party Isa Gambar said in a briefing that the Democratic Congress-1, an alliance of opposition parties, condemned Monday the picket held in front of the party's headquarters on June 1.

According to the DemCongress, the protest action bringing together few people is a trick of not the alternative Modern Musavat Party and its leader Hafiz Hajiyev, who demands Musavat's closure, but the authorities,.

DemCongress-1 believes the picket is the government's response to the party's demand to recognize the PKK as a terrorist organization.