Dr. Asim Mollazade

Chairman, Democratic Reforms Party of Azerbaijan



Wednesday, December 13, 2006

1230-1400, 1619 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Room 806

As Azerbaijan has begun to see the inflow of windfall oil revenues, the stakes for the country’s political evolution are great. Azerbaijan’s politics are often confusing, with the government*s generally reformist agenda marred by remaining problems in many areas, most recently as regards media freedom. While the government is flush with cash, the traditional opposition forces are weakened by internal rivalries and dissent.

In this environment, how is Azerbaijan’s political life changing? This issue carries great importance for the future. Increasing attention is being paid to Azerbaijan, due both to the coming online of its oil and gas resources, its strategic location and role in the war on terrorism, and its role as a secular, moderate Shi’a-majority state.

Dr. Asim Mollazade is among the most qualified people to speak on this issue. A medical doctor by training, Mr. Mollazade is one of Azerbaijan’s veteran opposition politicians. He joined the Popular Front government in 1992 as Head of the department of analysis and then Head of the foreign relations department of the presidential administration. In January 1994, the became the Deputy Chairman of the Popular Front Party, now in opposition. In this capacity, he was elected to Parliament in November 2000, and later a member of the Azerbaijani delegation to the Council of Europe*s Parliamentary Assembly. He has served as PACE rapporteur on Belarus, and also founded the Euro-Atlantic Center of Azerbaijan. In 2005, Mr. Mollazade was elected Chairman of the newly founded Party of Democratic Reforms, and in this capacity won a second term in parliament in 2005.

Lunch will be provided.

Please RSVP with your name and affiliation to caci2@mail.jhuwash.jhu.edu or call (202) 663-7721.