Party of Democratic Reforms hold constituent Congress

Having elected as the chairman of the credentials committee, the head of the TREND information-analytical agency, Ilgar Hussienov informed the participants of the congress of the missions and objectives of the committee. In his speech to the congress audience, Mr. Husseinov said that 150 delegates had been invited to the gathering, with 138 participating and 12 absent due to good reasons. He announced the decision of the credentials committee to confirm the authorities of the delegates and the legitimacy of the congress.

Several foreign guests were also participating, with Belgian senator Paul Wille informing the audience of the Belgian Liberal Party and its values. He wished the new party to become a leading (political) force elected by the people of Azerbaijan, enjoying legitimate votes of the voters, as well as being powerful enough to express the will of the populace, defend the poor, and be supported by entrepreneurs and intellectuals.

For her part, the chairman of the Georgian parliamentary commission for human rights, Elene Tevdoradze appreciated the prevalence of young generation among members and supporters of the Party of Democratic Reforms. She also accentuated on the necessity to resolve the Armenian-Azerbaijani ethnic conflict over Karabakh, as well as the liberation of the occupied lands [Armenian forces still occupy about 20 per cent of Azerbaijan’s territory – Ed.], and the growing role of the opposition in the country. According to Tevdoradze, once there is a solution to the problem of state importance [resolution of the Armenian-Azerbaijani ethnic conflict over Karabakh – Ed.], the opposition will also join hands with President Ilham Aliyev.

Member of the Executive Committee of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party (YAP), MP Aydin Mirzazada said that the emergence of the Party of Democratic Reforms as a newly fledged force on the political scene of the country, as well as the party’s frank preference to European values, and an offer to the youth to join politics are the moves that give rise to certain interest. He wished the new party to take on an unbiased stance towards the treatment of the authorities by the opposition, as well as become a rival deserving praise, etc. “Difficult as it is, but the New Azerbaijan Party (YAP) is ready to both contend and cooperate with you,” Mirzazada stressed.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the Civil Solidarity Party, MP Sabir Rustamkhanly regarded the new party as a political force relying on democratic values, and noted that there is a need for the party relying on the brains and foece of the people. Rustamkhanly also noticed the courage and the intellect of Asim Mollazada as a politician, and said that the Party of Democratic Reforms would set a new climate in the political environment of Azerbaijan.

The head of the Community of Mountainous Jews, Semen Ikhiilov said that Azerbaijan has a strong president and necessary capacities, and recommended the new party to do what one can to help the president liberate the occupied areas of Azerbaijan and address other problems.

Political expert Zardusht Alizada thinks that the Party of Democratic Reforms will have a tough struggle ahead, as Azerbaijan has very close conditions for democratic reforms.

Danish parliamentarian Hanne Severinsem confirmed the participation (of European structures) in the monitoring of the upcoming elections, and expressed hopes for the newly emerged party and its founder Asim Mollazada being among major forces in these elections.

 After speeches delivered by the guests and party executives, the authorized audience has approved the Charter of the party. Finally, the participants of the congress have unanimously approved Mr. Mollazada as the chairman of the party.

In his speech to the audience, Asim Mollazada appreciated the role of the media in the informing of the society of the activity of politicians concerning the protection of the freedom of speech. He said that any country must be distinguished by the existence of liberal values, human freedoms, tolerance, as well as protection of economic and social rights of citizens, respectful treatment of the values of other nations, and the appointment of state officials and servants irrespective of their nationality and religion. “The beauty of Azerbaijan is the diversity of national minorities. Our major slogans are dealing with the protection of the inviolability of property, as well as the rights of the middle class, entrepreneurs, promotion of managers capable of handling the economy and setting up proper conditions in this respect, and the promotion of citizens with skills and ability to govern the state system, including political atmosphere. To eliminate the number of the poor, it is necessary to strengthen the positions of the middle class. Saying ‘enough’ to our ruling authorities, we – at the same time – advance our program on the settlement of relevant problems, including socioeconomic reforms. We think that it is necessary to move on peaceful talks [with Armenians] over the restoration of our territorial integrity, and strengthen our army. Azerbaijan must integrate into European structures both through its energy resources and deep culture. We think that the real revolution must happen in the brains,” Mollazada said.

At the end of the congress, the party has formed its inspection committee including the following members: prominent Azeri writer Chingiz Abdullayev, Roman Temnikov and Ilkin Hassanov. Meanwhile, there has been formed the Political Council of the party, with the following elected members: Asim Mollazada, the editor-in-chief of the Russian-language daily ECHO, Rauf Talyshinskiy, Inglab Ahmadov, Eduard Chernin, Elkhan Aghamirzayev, Elnara Mammadzada, Murad Rahimov, Mardan Afandiyev, Eldar Jahangirov, Ilgar Husseinov and the president of the NNN group of companies, Nazim Abdullayev.