Former Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament Rasul Quliyev who has been living in exile in the United States, has expressed confidence he will again win election to parliament.

Mr. Quliyev told VOA's Azerbaijani Service a "defamation campaign" by Azerbaijan's government has failed to destroy his image among the country's people. He called on Azerbaijanis to vote in the November 6 parliamentary elections, saying it was their duty.

When asked about possibly being arrested if he returns to Azerbaijan, Mr. Quliyev said the government does not have a legal basis to detain him.

Mr. Quliyev, who is the leader of the Azerbaijan Democrat Party, faces charges in Azerbaijan of embezzling $120 million. He has denied the charges.