Government crisis in Iran related to post-election power sharing: political expert

Day.Az: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad inaugurated in Tehran recently as president for a second term. Will his new term lead to changes in Azerbaijan-Iran relations?

Zardusht Alizade: Ahmadinejad’s new approach will not have any impact on relations with Azerbaijan. However, it can impact relations with the West. Recent elections in Iran have weakened the position of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. It made him less legitimate president and less accepted.  However, the West will have to deal with him as Iran will be led and represented by this person.

As to Azerbaijan, no matter whether the elections in Iran were democratic or it was rigged, it will have no impact on Azerbaijan. That is, our relations will continue in the same vein as in past years. But, of course, overall nature of Iran's relations with West and Russia will influence Iran-Azerbaijan relations.

Q: What is the attitude of majority of Iranians to re-election and official approval of Ahmadinejad as president?

A: In principle, the people of Iran is not enthusiastic. Also there is no desire to fight and to actively seek the resignation of the current government. However, within the ruling elite of the Islamic Republic there are certainly big differences. And I believe that soon some large and influential opposition wing in and around government will start to be established soon.

Q: You mean you predict no new wave of unrest in Tehran?

A: In any case, I do not predict it. I think current status quo would suit them until a decisive step by either government or opposition is taken.

Q: You do not think Ahmadinejad faces the government crisis in Iran as evidenced by the resignation of some of ministers  recently?

A: The point is that each of the forces within the Iranian government require their share of the pie in the current stage of formation of the team and claim that they have supported Ahmadinejad and brought him to power, others claim that they agree with his rule, while others require government posts because, despite the fact that they failed they want to have any position in future.

/Day.Az/