Ankara shaken by rumor that Aliyev’s illness has worsened

The Embassy of Azerbaijan denied the reports and said the president is doing well.

Meanwhile, a top aide of Aliyev told the Associated Press in Baku that the president’s 80th birthday celebration may be put off, casting doubt on officials’ rosy reports of the leader’s improving health.

Aliev was flown to Ankara late Saturday, two weeks after collapsing during a speech. The fall resulted in a cracked rib and bruises on his back, and the presidential press service attributed it to a sudden drop in blood pressure.

Aliev had invited several leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, to attend celebrations marking his 80th birthday Saturday. However, Ramiz Mekhtiyev, Aliev’s chief of staff, said late Tuesday that the celebration might have to wait.

"It is possible that the time for jubilee activities tied with Aliev’s 80th birthday will be put off from May 10 to another day," Mekhtiyev told reporters.

"Treatment is continuing, monitoring is under way, and since leaving Azerbaijan very positive changes have occurred in Aliev’s health," he said.

Aliev had a heart attack in 1987 and underwent bypass surgery at a Cleveland clinic in 1999. He underwent prostate surgery at the same clinic in February 2002. Earlier this year, he underwent a hernia operation in Baku.

Aliev has stifled dissent and independent media but remains popular in Azerbaijan, where he launched economic reforms, including a rapid privatization program beginning in 1996. He has also signed deals with international investors interested in developing Caspian Sea oil fields.

Aliev, a Soviet-era KGB general and Communist Party chief who has twice been elected in votes the opposition claimed were fraudulent, has announced his intention to run again in presidential elections in the Caucasus Mountain nation this October. Many critics believe he is actually paving the way to turn over power to his son, Ilkham.

The Associated Press said political tension has risen sharply in the former Soviet republic following Aliev’s flight to Turkey. Authorities told opposition newspapers Monday that they are publishing subversive material aimed at the government’s overthrow and warned of "decisive measures" if they persist.