Azeri president collapses twice during speech

Gulf Daily News (Bahrain) ^ | 4-21-03

[Prince Charles]

Azeri president collapses twice during speech

BAKU: Azeri President Haydar Aliyev, who has ruled his nation with an iron grip for nearly a decade, collapsed twice before reviving to complete a televised speech yesterday.

The 79-year-old president was addressing a military audience in the capital's Palace of the Republic when he suddenly gasped, clutched his heart and collapsed.

Live transmission ended abruptly as bodyguards rushed to support the man who has established an unassailable hold on power since becoming president of the ex-Soviet Caspian state in 1993.

Broadcasting resumed 12 minutes later as the frail-looking leader, whom many Azeris call "Baba" (Grandfather), reappeared to a standing ovation from the hall.

"I have apparently been bewitched by the evil eye. But I'm fine, as you see," he said before resuming his speech.

But minutes later he collapsed again, knocking his head on the podium. Transmission stopped and the audience was led from the hall. Aliyev, who has a history of health problems, seemed to have lost consciousness both times.

Shortly afterwards the army officers and cadets were ushered in again and live broadcasting resumed as Aliyev went back on the podium to finish his speech.

"Let me congratulate you once again. Thank you for your attention," he said to the crowd.

He then left the Soviet-era concrete-slab building, waving to by-standers before getting into a car.

[Prince Charles]

Attention: Aliyev has NOT left the building.

[freedom44]

Personally i think Azerbaijan should still be a part of Iran and if it wasn't for the communist soviets it would still be.

Although 61 percent of Iranians are Persian, 25 percent are Azeri in the north.

[GiveEmDubya]

Isn't it just ironic how he can say he's fine then pass out again a few minutes later?

Those old Soviet leaders just won't quit will they.

[Prince Charles]

They probably started him on a Vodka I.V. to revive him.

[GiveEmDubya]

If he had passed out a few more times, all the 80 proof (and up) liquor in the world couldn't have jumpstarted him again.

[TopQuark]

SO, maybe the northern Iran should be a part of Azerbaijan?

[Prince Charles]

Hehehe.. yeah, but Yeltsin's still kickin'.

[freedom44]

Azeris are vehemently Iranian, and quite patriotic. They won't budge on joining the country of Azerbaijan. Especially considering it's foundations are in the communist soviets and their propaganda. It was the soviet communist propaganda that separated the minority in the north into their own country.

[TopQuark]

Azeris are vehemently Iranian,

I did not know this feeling survived so srtong to this day. Thanks for educating me on this --- makes for a better understanding of the region as a whole.