January 31, 2002 - 22:10 AMT
AZERI RELIGIOUS LEADER INTENDS TO RETIRE AS HE NOT IN FAVOR WITH HAYDAR ALIYEV
As «Zerkalo» reports, religious leader of Muslims of Transcaucasia sheikh Ul-islam Allahshukyur Pashazade could resign. Poor health condition will be introduced as an official version of the reason of the resignation. (Now he is in Turkey for treatment). In fact, according to the newspaper, the reason of the resignation of Pashazade is that he is not supported by the official leadership of Azerbaijan that is not satisfied with his political self-dependence. It should be reminded that in February regular seventh meeting of Sheikh-ul-islam Allahshukyur Pashazade and Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II is planned to be held in Moscow through the mediation of the head of Russian Orthodox Church Aleksiy II. At the meeting issues regarding the settlement of Karabakh conflict and the development of Armenia-Azerbaijan dialog at different levels will be discussed.