Iqbal Aghazade: "Serious struggle will be initiated between me and Ilham Aliyev in 2008"

He said the collection was mainly conducted by the party activists, therefore, no special funds were allocated for the purpose.

According to him, they faced different obstacles in collecting signatures.

"In particular, our signature lists were taken away by the order of the executive powers and torn to pieces before the eyes of our activists in Geranboy, Zaqatala, Lerik, Qazakh, Samukh regions. Some of the signature lists were spoiled. But we managed to get the needed number of signatures. We are now working at creating advertising and placards to demonstrate during presidential elections.

As to the worthy rival for him, he said he regards Ilham Aliyev as the only rival. "Serious struggle will be initiated between me and Ilham Aliyev in 2008. I will represent opposition and he will represent the powers. Unlike other candidates, I am sure that I will be able to gather the protest electorate.

Speaking about the idea of creating a single coalition, he said it can only be executed following the elections. According to him, there is no need for creating any association, as it will not be able to influence the process of presidential elections.

Aghazade said if he is elected a president he will pay due attention to all problems.

"For example, it is impossible to pay attention only to the socioeconomic development of the country, without paying attention to the resolution of the Karabakh problem. It requires complex solution. For this purpose I have my own programs and strategies.

Asked whether his team would include powers or opposition representatives, he said there is a law "On state service", which defines rules of admission of citizens for state service.

"There should not be any differences between people for their party belonging, the most important is that they should worthily fulfill their duties, while the rest is not decisive".

/Day.Az/