03 May 2008, 11:26
Mekhtiyev: USA interfere into internal affairs of Azerbaijan
According to Ramiz Mekhtiyev, head of the Azeri president's administration, the allocation by the USA of more than 3 million dollars for supporting election in Azerbaijan in October 2008 is an interference by USA into the internal affairs of Azerbaijan.
"I do not consider this US action to be a normal event" states Mekhtiyev. "Azerbaijan is an independent state. No one can hamper its development."
"Nobody should doubt that this is a wrong step by the USA," states Ramiz Mekhtiyev to the journalists.
Previously, the "Caucasian Knot" reported that the US government allocated a grant in the amount of $3 million for supporting free and fair presidential election in Azerbaijan. Ann Dersi, US ambassador in Azerbaijan, claimed at the press-conference that the money would be spent on strengthening political parties, support of organizations engaged in election monitoring, holding of debates, trainings for state structures, etc.
The "Caucasian Knot" reported earlier that the Azeri opposition parties (Popular Front, Liberal Party, Party of Citizens and Development) which entered the block "Azadlyg", announced their intention to boycott the 2008 presidential elections, unless the election committees' composition was changed.
Author: Rafael Gasanov, CK correspondent
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