Azerbaijani president says may consider running for third term in office

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has said he might consider running for a third term in office if the people support him and his work, local media reported Monday. Aliyev made the remarks in an interview with the Qatar-based Al Jazeera TV, contents of which were published by local media. The president said he has not made the decision yet. "If the people continue to support me and the work I am doing, I will consider this option," he said. "But, once again, this will depend on how the people assess my activity and the level of their support." Aliyev was elected president in 2003 and was re-elected in 2008. A two-term limit on the presidency was removed in light of a 2009 nationwide poll on constitutional amendments. Analysts say Aliyev is likely to win if he decides to stand in the 2013 election.