In Azerbaijan, rally, dedicated to Republic Day, voices anti-governmental calls

Today, in the village of Novkhani, in front of the monument to Mamedemin Rasulzade, the founder of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, about 1000 supporters of the opposition Civil Movement for Democracy "Public Chamber" (CMDPC), the block "Karabakh", and a number of other political organizations of Azerbaijan held a rally, dedicated to Republic Day.

The Republic Day is celebrated in honour of the fact that on May 28, 1918, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR), which was the first republic in the Muslim world, was proclaimed.

Opposition rally is traditionally held on May 28 at the monument to Mamedemin Rasulzade. The participants of the rally paid tribute to the founders of the ADR, noting their enormous contribution to the development of the Azerbaijani statehood. Furthermore, speeches of the participants of the rally voiced fact of violation of human rights committed by the current authorities and emphasized inevitability of democratic reforms in the country.

According to Isa Gambar, the leader of the "Musavat" Party, "the wave of democratic changes, which began last year with 'Arab spring', will not bypass Azerbaijan."

Sardar Djalaloglu, the leader of the Democratic Party, speaking from the block "Karabakh", which includes the Democratic Party and "Umid" (Hopes) Party, criticized the country authorities' attitude to Republic Day.

"The ruling regime of Azerbaijan organized the song contest 'Eurovision' at the highest international level; however, it celebrates Republic Day in a faded way. The authorities deliberately belittle the significance of the holiday, since they are aliens to the ideas of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic democracy, freedom, and human rights," emphasized Sardar Djalaloglu.

In his turn, Panakh Gusein, the member of the CMDPC, has noted inevitability of the resignation of the current authorities. "During less than a year, in a peaceful way, we will achieve changes of the situation in the country and formation of people power on the democratic basis," promised Panakh Gusein.

Ali Kerimli, the leader of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), has stated that the democratic forces of the country face two problems: liberation of the occupied territories and change of "the dynastic regime" through democratic means. According to him, the policy of repressions causes even more people's discontent, and more and more people consolidate around the democratic forces.

Speeches of the speakers were repeatedly interrupted by slogans voicing: "Freedom!" and "Resign!"

Policemen did not interfere in the course of the action.

It should be noted that on May 28, Azerbaijan carries out no special public events on the occasion of Republic Day. However, opening of a number of social and economic facilities with participation of President Ilham Aliev was dedicated to the Republic Day. The President also laid flowers at the obelisk of the Independence Declaration in Istiglaliyyat Street in Baku.

On May 25, the "Buta" Palace hosted state reception on the occasion of Republic Day with participation of President Ilham Aliev, members of the Government and the Parliament, public representatives, and representatives of diplomatic corps. Ilham Aliev stated that independence, restored 20 years ago, is the greatest value of the Azerbaijani people. According to him, the independence of Azerbaijan is "eternal".