Signs of Recovery Seen in Party, Society

This document is a Foreign Broadcast Information Service (FBIS) report dated July 19, 1991, summarizing political and social conditions in Azerbaijan. The text highlights the perspective of Mutalibov, who characterizes the Communist Party of Azerbaijan as a party of reformers and national harmony. The report notes that the party has taken steps toward constitutional reinforcement of state sovereignty and the restoration of historical symbols. It emphasizes that Azerbaijan, unlike other Transcaucasian republics, expressed a desire in a referendum to remain part of the Soviet Union. The document also addresses social and economic issues, noting that despite political tensions, relations with the Russian-speaking population have improved. Economically, the report discusses the difficulties of transitioning away from a single-crop agricultural system focused on cotton. It mentions that the number of kolkhozes and sovkhozes in the republic has nearly doubled over the previous two or three years, though there remains a shortage of administrative offices for leadership. The report concludes by noting public complaints regarding law enforcement organs.