Azernews.Az

The state newspaper "Azerbaijan" has published President Ilham Aliyev's account of the events in his career and life, including the successes and challenges in his activity as a statesman.
In his article entitled "My universities" released in the publication's Sunday issue, Aliyev, who succeeded his father, nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev in 2003, wrote that nearly since the day he was born, unfair rumors began to circulate about him.
"They were some kind of a shadow behind me. And it was a bad shadow, I must admit, which often got in the way," he said. "Let me say straight away that I have always sensed the great influence of my father."
Aliyev wrote that while he was receiving education, many wrongfully believed that he would abuse of Heydar Aliyev's authority to pull the strings.
"But my father had explained to me since my childhood years that one should not give way to such instances, and I have never given our ill-wishers (there have always been many of them) any reason for attacks on our family," he indicated.
Reminiscing his childhood, Aliyev wrote that he often had fights at school. "At times I was beaten, but I never complained about those who offended me to my father."
Aliyev said he was proud to have followed his father's footsteps. He recalled the resignation of Heydar Aliyev from a top post in the USSR Political Bureau in 1987 and the pressure on his family members that followed.
"I don't want to go into details. Let the deeds of those who committed vile actions against us be the burden of their conscience. But I would like to say that I had to leave the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), to which I am thankful for the knowledge I received, and to engage in business.
"I headed commerce and production firms. I also ran a clothing factory in Moscow. Then I undertook trading. Everything was going well. Later I moved to Istanbul and continued my business activities there," Aliyev said.
The president recalled that during the days spent in the Russian capital, he married Mehriban Aliyeva. "I consider her the most beautiful woman in Azerbaijan."
"Mehriban is my pillar. Our views are the same on most issues," he wrote.
Aliyev wrote further: "It was unbelievably hard to be away from my homeland. We longed for it, but enemies reigned there and Baku was dangerous for us then."
The president recalled that in 1994 he was entrusted with a high post in the oil industry.
"I became the first vice-president of Azerbaijan's state oil company SOCAR. Everything happened unexpectedly. My father called me and said: 'This work has to be dealt with, it is very important for the country'. Heydar Aliyev's words have always been law for me. If he says it is important, then it really is."
Aliyev said he is often asked what professional skills help him in the course of his activity. "First and foremost - my knowledge of foreign languages. Communicating with people in their native tongue, without translators, is so easy and effective."
Recalling his appointment as prime minister on August 4, 2003, Aliyev wrote: "I've heard so many times people saying behind my back that 'his father is promoting him' or 'if Heydar Aliyev had not been president, Ilham would not have accomplished this either'. What can you tell people like that? The issue of succession of government is pivotal for every country. It is therefore natural that Heydar Aliyev was concerned about his successor. Moreover, he started to shape up his successor from the very beginning. My father was passing on his political experience to me step by step and explaining what actions could be taken in different situations…My work is easier because my father is a living example for me."
"I am not an heir of the president, but a successor of my father and our family. Even when my father was not in office, I sensed the responsibility of succession. I would also like to note that the real successor of Heydar Aliyev is my son, the youngest member of our family, [whose name is also] Heydar," the head of state wrote.
"Sometimes they ask me 'why did you, President Heydar Aliyev's son, become a new president?'. In times like this it is appropriate to answer with another question: 'why can't presidents' sons become presidents as well?' I wonder if they ever asked US President George Bush Jr. this question, as it is common knowledge that his father is former president George Bush Sr. The passage of power from one family member to another, by itself, is not considered undemocratic in the present-day world. This has happened before and it will happen again. Personal qualities of the successor and his ability to carry out the mission vested in him by history are more important here."
In conclusion of the story, the president wrote: "I believe that my situation is double-complex. Fist of all, much needs to be done at this time of dawning 21st century both for the people and the country. Second, I must advance successfully along the path laid by Heydar Aliyev and surmount new pinnacles."