Azernews.Az

President Ilham Aliyev has expressed confidence that he would seal a victory at next year's elections.
Aliyev said in an interview with Moldova's Channel 4 that during his tenure, he has delivered on all promises made while campaigning for the 2003 presidential elections.
The head of state said that when he laid out a program on the socio-economic development of Azerbaijani regions, he described its objectives as one of the priorities in the country's development. He then emphasized that not only the capital Baku but all regions should experience growth. Aliyev also pledged that if elected president, he would work to create plenty of jobs in the country in the next five years.
The president recalled that at the time he was on the campaign trail, his ill-wishers were trying to cast a doubt on his sincerity and even accused him of populism and trying to deceive the voters.
"I have never given way to this, and 600,000 jobs have been opened not five years, but four years after my election," Aliyev said.
President Aliyev noted that state spending has increased 10 times during his presidency. 1,200 schools, tens of hospitals, roads, and six power plants have been built. Moreover, rampant economic growth has been secured and all trans-national energy projects implemented.
"I am therefore heading to the election with confidence. I believe that 2008 will not be any different than the previous years and will see the materialization of all the plans we outlined in 2003," the head of state vowed.
President Aliyev reiterated his earlier statement that the room for traditional opposition in Azerbaijan's political arena has narrowed down.
"This is not because we are pressuring someone or causing problems, but because we are doing everything that is needed for our country, its strengthening, security and development," Aliyev said.