15:44, 22 April 2003

Security tightened in Baku

Speaking at the military college?s anniversary ceremony in Baku on April 21, president Geidar Aliyev felt unwell twice. Immediately after that, police tightened security around government buildings, deploying additional police units and military trucks in downtown Baku.

Geidar Aliyev is 79. Though there were moments in recent years when he was unwell, that did not stop Aliyev from announcing his intention to run for president in the fall of this year.

The yesterday?s ceremony to mark the 30th anniversary of the Khan of Nakhichevan military college in Baku was broadcast by state television. When the president felt unwell, the live broadcast was interrupted. The president had twice to stop his speech because of indisposition.

The presidential press service reported that Aliyev?s indisposition had been caused by a drop in his blood pressure, adding his state of health is now satisfactory.

Source: Prima News Agency