BAKU – Less than thirteen hours remain until a plane with exiled Democratic Party leader and former parliamentary speaker Rasul Guliev lands in Baku. His deputy – Sardar
Jalalogly informed Day.az that Guliev will arrive with a London-Baku flight at 4 p.m. on October 17. However the flight information was not confirmed yet.

Guliev - who is wanted on fraud charges in Azerbaijan – announced on October 15 in an open letter that  he is ready to come home and called upon his supporters to meet him in the airport. Reaction of the government officials came out in a blink of an eye.  Azerbaijan’s prosecutor general Zakir Garalov announced that they have a special cell awaiting for Guliev to take place in it.

“Airport is a highly guarded strategic object. Daily through it pass hundreds of flights and thousands of people that is why we won’t allow breaking law here”, he added. He was seconded by Yashar Aliyev, deputy of the head of the city police administration who stated that Guliev’s supporters will not be allowed to enter the territory of the airport.

And today evening minister of internal affairs of Azerbaijan republic Ramil Usubov stated that his ministry possesses information that provocations are possible during the day of Guliev’s arrival, including even an attack on the airport.

Taking in regard these circumstances tomorrow [October 17] markets Bina and Sadarak situated near the airport area will be closed. “Opposition representatives may attempt to mix with the crowd”, - Usubov said. He also did not exclude possibility that opposition members will carry firing arms and will try to take over the airport. That is why, the minister advised journalists and representatives of foreign diplomatic missions to avoid visiting airport tomorrow.

Currently the road to the airport is fully accessible however it is highly possible that by tomorrow noon there will be several check points set up on the highway leading from Baku to the Heydar Aliyev Airport.
 
UK/EV