AZERBAIJAN’S ISLAMIC PARTY SAID TO CHANGE STRATEGY.

According to the acting leader of the Islamic Party of Azerbaijan, identified as Haji Mehdi, the IPA’s Supreme Council has been replaced almost in its entirety by a Provisional Supreme Council comprised of new leaders. Many supporters of the former leaders are also leaving the party, Haji Mehdi told a Baku weekly in an interview. The new leadership plans to hold a party conference in August to reshape the IPA, although it will probably retain the imprisoned Alikram Aliev as party chairman. Mehdi disclaimed any intention to build an Islamic state — "it would be absurd in a country where Muslim traditions are not observed" — and insisted the IPA never did or would resort to force against the government, despite the latter’s "negative" attitude toward Islam. Mehdi also denied any links to Iranian intelligence, described IPA’s links to Iran as purely religious, and defended the innocence of the IPA activists imprisoned last year. (Yeni Musavat (Baku), June 10-16)

The Monitor is a publication of the Jamestown Foundation. It is researched and written under the direction of senior analysts Jonas Bernstein, Vladimir Socor, Stephen Foye, and analysts Ilya Malyakin, Oleg Varfolomeyev and Ilias Bogatyrev. If you have any questions regarding the content of the Monitor, please contact the foundation. If you would like information on subscribing to the Monitor, or have any comments, suggestions or questions, please contact us by e-mail at pubs@jamestown.org, by fax at 301-562-8021, or by postal mail at The Jamestown Foundation, 4516 43rd Street NW, Washington DC 20016. Unauthorized reproduction or redistribution of the Monitor is strictly prohibited by law. Copyright (c) 1983-2002 The Jamestown Foundation Site Maintenance by Johnny Flash Productions