June 19, 2003 - 22:56 AMT
BAKU VETOED TWO OPPOSITION PRESIDENTIAL CONTENDERS
Representatives of opposition forces of Azerbaijan - leader of the Democratic Party Rasul Guliyev and head of the Party of Civil Unity Ayaz Mutalibov will not participate in the coming election of the Azeri president. Azeri Central Electoral Commission chairman Mazakhir Panakhov explained the impossibility for them to run for the highest state post that they "are accused of grave crimes committed in the territory of Azerbaijan." It should be noted that by today potential candidates for the state head are incumbent president Heydar Aliyev and, making opposition to him, chairman of "Musavat" party Isa Hambar, leader of "People's Front of Azerbaijan" party Ali Kerimli, head of Party of National Independence Etibar Mamedov. The election is planned October 15.