WALL STREET JOURNAL BELIEVES AZERBAIJAN TO BECOME AN EXAMPLE OF SUCCESS
The author further points out that the oil rich country is still poor after 70-year robbery. Together with neighboring Georgia Azerbaijan forms a unique corridor paving the way for the Caspian oil and gas to Europe, and for the coalition troops to Central Asia. That is why, according to him, it is very important for the West to help Azerbaijan to become an example of success in the Moslem world.
Touching upon the upcoming presidential elections in Azerbaijan, the author points out that Ilham Aliyev who was appointed as Prime-Minister in August, will contend for presidency supporting by ruling ‘Yeni Azerbaijan’ party. Most likely, his victory is guaranteed. Azerbaijan’s western partners are ready for such a result in case of pure election.
The article also reminds that in 1993 when Heydar Aliyev came to power, Azerbaijan could be described as an example of failure. Politically and strategically, he directed the country toward the West, pushed through large-scale projects on development and transportation of the Caspian oil and gas, joined the anti-terrorist coalition. Azerbaijan sends its troops to Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq to participate in the US-NATO military operations. Ilham Aliyev and his team attend to carry out the same political course.
In the author’s opinion, Azerbaijani opposition has posed the most serious obstacles in its own way itself. Composition of the opposition leaders has not for almost ten years, they do not offer serious alternatives and from time to time resort to playing nationalistic card.
The article concludes that in the country experiencing lack of competent administrators, 42-year old Ilham Aliyev has diplomatic and business experience; he maintains stable contacts with western governmental and business circles, particularly in the USA and Britain.
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