Sacked Azerbaijani Economy Minister Arrested

Baku, 19 October 2005 (RFE/RL) -- Azerbaijani authorities have arrested former Economy Minister Farhad Aliyev, who was sacked yesterday.

Azerbaijani authorities say Aliyev is suspected of conspiring with exiled opposition leader Rasul Quliyev to conduct a coup in Azerbaijan.


Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev gave no reason yesterday for sacking Farhad Aliyev.


Farhad Aliyev, who is not related to Azerbaijani president, was considered a key member of the government's reformist wing.


(RFE/RL Azerbaijani Service/AP)