Baku Mayoralty sanctions two rallies against amendments to Constitution

The National Council of Democratic Forces (NCDF) and the oppositional "Musavat" Party, which stand for the abolition of the referendum on amendments to the Azerbaijani Constitution, have agreed to support each other's actions, sanctioned by the Baku authorities.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that in Azerbaijan, the referendum on the constitutional amendments is scheduled for September 26.

The draft amendments provide for the prolongation of the presidential term from 5 up to 7 years, the introduction of the provision on dissolution of the Parliament, and the establishment in Azerbaijan of the positions of Vice Presidents.

The "Caucasian Knot" correspondent was informed by Vakhid Magerramli, a member of the organizing committee of the NCDF's rally, that they had received a positive response from the Mayoralty to their notification about the protest rally, scheduled for September 17, against the amendments to the Constitution.

"Our action will take place on Saturday, September 17, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the stadium of the Yasamal Sports Complex. We insist on cancelling the referendum and on political and economic reforms," Mr Magerramli said.

Today, the Baku Mayoralty has also sanctioned the rally of the "Musavat" Party; it is scheduled for September 18.

"The rally will take place on Sunday at the stadium of the Yasamal Sports Complex District. We treat the amendments to the Constitution as unacceptable, because they lead the country to greater authoritarianism," Gyulyaga Aslanly, the head of the administration of the "Musavat" Party, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

Both political forces intend to support each other's actions. According to Mr Aslanly, the "Musavat" Party has also moved the initiative to hold a "nationwide rally of all the forces that oppose the referendum" on September 24.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.