Ilhan Aliyev is the President of Azerbaijan, a former Soviet republic. He assumed office for the first time October 31, 2003 and is also the head of the New Azerbaijan Party. President Aliyev won a second term as president in 2008, under what Western observers defined as improved conditions, yet still not up to democratic standards.http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/country_profiles/1235976.stm

Ilhan Aliyev was born on December 24, 1961 in Baku, Soviet Union (now Azerbaijan). He is the son of Heydar Aliyev, who was the head of the KGB in Azerbaijan. His father was active in the party and later a full member of the Poliburo and later became the president of Azerbaijan. Ilihan Aliyev attended college at Moscow State Institute of International Relations, ultimately receiving a PHD in history. He is married to Mehriban Aliyev and together they have three children: Leyla, Arzu and Heydar. http://www.azerb.com/az-ilham-aliyev.html

When Heydar Aliyev died in 2003. his son Ilham Aliyev took over as president. When Heydar died he had already appointed Ilhan prime minister and vice chairman of the state oil company. Ilhan was also the deputy leader of the New Azerbaijan Party (NAP), the country's ruling party. Heydar had set the wheels in motion for his son to be his successor. Aliyev ordered police to use force against protesters during the November 2005 parliamentary elections. There have been opposition protests in regards to all elections since Alivey came into power.http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/country_profiles/1235976.stm

Career History

1985-1990: Lecturer at Moscow State University of International Relationshttp://www.silobreaker.com/biography-for-ilham-aliyev-5_2258129240266375168_4

1991-1994: Businessman who led private industrial commercial enterpriseshttp://www.silobreaker.com/biography-for-ilham-aliyev-5_2258129240266375168_4

1994-2003: Vice president and first vice president of the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijanhttp://www.silobreaker.com/biography-for-ilham-aliyev-5_2258129240266375168_4

1995-2000: Elected twice to the Milli Majlis (Parliament) of the Republic of Azerbaijanhttp://www.silobreaker.com/biography-for-ilham-aliyev-5_2258129240266375168_4

1997- : President of the National Olympic Committee of Azerbaijanhttp://www.silobreaker.com/biography-for-ilham-aliyev-5_2258129240266375168_4

1999: Elected as deputy chairman of the New Azerbaijan Partyhttp://www.silobreaker.com/biography-for-ilham-aliyev-5_2258129240266375168_4

2001: Elected first deputy chairmanhttp://www.silobreaker.com/biography-for-ilham-aliyev-5_2258129240266375168_4

2005: Elected chairman of the Partyhttp://www.silobreaker.com/biography-for-ilham-aliyev-5_2258129240266375168_4

2001-2003: Head of Azerbaijan Parliamentary delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europehttp://www.silobreaker.com/biography-for-ilham-aliyev-5_2258129240266375168_4

2003: Elected as Deputy-Chairman of Parliamentary Assembly of Council of Europed and member of PACE (January)http://www.silobreaker.com/biography-for-ilham-aliyev-5_2258129240266375168_4

2003: Appointed as the Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan (August 4)http://www.silobreaker.com/biography-for-ilham-aliyev-5_2258129240266375168_4

2003: Elected as the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, assumed office October 31, 2003http://www.silobreaker.com/biography-for-ilham-aliyev-5_2258129240266375168_4

Aliyev's policies have supported the development of entrepreneurship. The nations first quarter 2009 showed growth; the economy grew 2.6 times, up 2.5 times in their industrial production. Aliyev attributes his country's economic strength not to the countries oil and gas production, but to the sound economic policies and reforms he has put in place over the last five years. The strong economic condition of Azerbaijan continues to make it a place of interest for foreign investors.http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/73638/-azerbaijan-s-successful-policy-ensured-stabile-socio-economic-development-president-ilham-aliyev-.html

A referendum in March 2009, changing the term limits for the president was approved, ending the previous two-term policy, opening the door for Aliyev to pursue a third term as president.http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/country_profiles/1235976.stm More controversy follows Aleyev after his election as the ruling chairman of the New Azerbaijan Party on March 26, 2005, which the opposition party says is in direct opposition to Azerbaijan constitution.http://www.azerb.com/az-ilham-aliyev.html