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Speech by the President Ilham Aliyev

– My fellow citizens.

It is a historic day today. Today, the Azerbaijani flag was raised in the central square of the city of Khankendi. I sincerely congratulate all the people of Azerbaijan on this occasion.

Exactly 20 years ago, the people of Azerbaijan showed great confidence in me by electing me the President in the elections. At that time, I addressed my people and promised that I would defend the national interests of the Azerbaijani people and the Azerbaijani state and that I would protect the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. I took an oath with my hand on the Constitution and the Holy Quran. I am glad that all the promises I made during the last 20 years and all the tasks I set before myself have been fulfilled.

Today, all the people of Azerbaijan are genuinely rejoicing. All the people of Azerbaijan are praising Allah. We have been waiting for this day for more than 30 years. But each of us, I am sure, believed that this day would come.

Twenty years ago, when I began discharging my duties as President, I set myself the top priority task of raising the Azerbaijani flag in all our territories, all our lands, cities, and villages that were occupied at the time. Every day, every hour, we moved towards this sacred goal. Every day, we were bringing this cherished moment closer and repeatedly saying that each of us should try to bring this day closer with our hard work.

Over these years, Azerbaijan has become stronger. Azerbaijan has been able to take its rightful place on the global scale. Azerbaijan is now being acknowledged around the world. The position of our country and the steps of our state carry an enormous meaning not only for the region but also for a broader geography. In many cases, Azerbaijan has been the author of significant initiatives. Over the years, we have created a solid political and legal foundation for resolving the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict. At the same time, we have created a robust economy, and the successes achieved in this direction over the past 20 years are evident. Our economy has grown more than four times. A strong economy means independence. Independence should never be conditional. You must have a strong economy and a powerful army to achieve absolute independence.

We worked tirelessly to strengthen our army. We have created such a powerful army that the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan can honorably fulfill any task today, and we proved that on the battlefield. We forced the enemy to sign the act of capitulation in just 44 days during the Patriotic War three years ago. At the same time, the counterterrorism operation we carried out last month that lasted only 23 hours showed our strength, and the enemy surrendered by waving the white flag. We are rightly proud of our Armed Forces.

The primary reason we are here today is the people of Azerbaijan, the sons of Azerbaijan. We have raised a young generation ready to die for the Motherland, our lands, and they were confronting death. May Allah have mercy on all our martyrs. We bow our heads to their souls. We, the people of Azerbaijan, are in their eternal debt. Three years ago, over the last three years and during the counterterrorism operation in September, Azerbaijani soldiers and officers showed true heroism, patriotism, and self-sacrifice. We are proud of our Army and our Armed Forces. They are the source of our pride. Not only Azerbaijani citizens but also, I am sure, tens of millions of Azerbaijanis living in the world are rightly proud of Azerbaijani soldiers, officers, and the state of Azerbaijan.

The counterterrorism operation last month was inevitable. The people of Azerbaijan know very well, and I am sure so does the world community, that we wanted to resolve the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict peacefully. For seventeen years, I personally participated in meaningless and fruitless negotiations many times. Why? Because I thought that this issue should be resolved peacefully. But gradually, our hopes dwindled. Analyzing the occupation policy of Armenia once again, I can say with complete confidence today that they had no intention of returning even an inch of land to us.

Unfortunately, the mediators dealing with this issue wanted to freeze the conflict, to perpetuate it. They wanted this wound to fester. The people and the state of Azerbaijan could never come to terms with this situation. I have often said that we will never accept this situation; we will never allow a second Armenian state to be created on our land.

The Patriotic War lasted only 44 days. Throughout those days, I repeatedly addressed the people and, at the same time, addressed the enemy, urging it to lay down arms and provide a timetable of when they would vacate our lands. And then we would be ready to stop the war. After we had liberated Shusha, our sacred home and the impregnable fortress, the enemy realized its defeat and waved the white flag, and we had stopped the war.

I remember some people asking the question then: Why did we agree to stop the war on November 10? Today, while standing here, I want to reiterate that we have to do everything at the right time, and we do. The overwhelming majority of the Azerbaijani people understood perfectly well then, on November 10 and in the ensuing period, that we would achieve what we wanted. And what we wanted was the flag of Azerbaijan flying here.

The people of Azerbaijan showed great confidence in me 20 years ago, and I have always felt it over these years. And this confidence has further grown. Today, my most significant rewards are the words I said during the occupation and the words people have been repeating. I said back then that I knew how and when to do something. Even when the Second Karabakh War stopped, the people of Azerbaijan were aware that I knew what I was doing. Less than three years have passed since that day, and we are here today, in Khankendi, in the center of Khankendi, standing under the National Emblem and the Flag of Azerbaijan. It is a great happiness and a historic event.

Perhaps it is not suitable for me to talk about history now because we lived this history. We created this history. The people of Azerbaijan won such a Victory that it has become known to all, and this Victory will be with us forever. This Victory will forever be in our history. The generations that will follow us will forever and rightfully be proud of this Victory.

This year is the “Year of Heydar Aliyev.” We have been celebrating the 100th anniversary of Heydar Aliyev throughout the year. How do we celebrate? We celebrate it by continuing his policy and honoring his historic legacy. I celebrated the National Leader’s birthday in Shusha. Some people wondered where the ceremony would be held, who the speakers would be, and which foreign guests would attend. Then, they realized that no ceremony would be held. Why? Because our respect for the memory of the National Leader had to be measured by concrete actions. This is the first. Secondly, Heydar Aliyev was very modest and never fond of lavish ceremonies. I recall his 50th birthday very well. In 1973, we celebrated it at home only with the family. I also remember his 60th birthday too. He was working in Moscow at the time. There were no guests there either. To celebrate his 70th birthday with my father, I went to Nakhchivan. And on his 80th birthday, his health was deteriorating, and we celebrated it in the hospital in Ankara, in a hospital cafeteria.

This is why we had to celebrate my father’s 100th birthday in Shusha, which has a significant symbolic meaning for us and has a special place in the heart of every Azerbaijani. There, addressing the people of Azerbaijan, I spoke from the heart. Today, the souls of the National Leader and all those who didn’t live to see this day are rejoicing. All the people of Azerbaijan, their followers, cheer their souls.

Of course, the fact that I came here today when we are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the National Leader has an enormous symbolic meaning. I should also note that the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Province, which did not have historical, geographical, or political grounds to be established in Azerbaijan, was nonetheless created here 100 years ago – in 1923. This is a history of 100 years. Notice how much our people have suffered over these 100 years and how many times history has put us to the test. We didn’t bend or break; we confronted such an immense tragedy alone, and no one stood by us. No country stood with us when our lands were occupied, not even moral support. All major powers were behind Armenia, and today, history repeats itself. Look at the countries that are most hostile to Azerbaijan today.

These countries sided with Armenia at that time, in 1992-1993, incited them to invade our territory, supported the invasion, and justified their actions. Nothing has changed in these 30 years. Our people were faced with immense tragedies. One 1 million people were left homeless. Our lands were destroyed entirely. Today, visitors to the liberated lands can see Armenian savagery with their eyes. There is not a single sound building left here. Ethnic cleansing has been carried out against us. Genocide was committed against us, the Khojaly genocide. More than a dozen countries have recognized Khojaly as an act of genocide. The movement called “Justice for Khojaly!” has gained international momentum.

The path we have covered from that difficult period is one of honor and dignity. We united and gathered strength. The people of Azerbaijan showed their wisdom once again in 1993, supported the National Leader Heydar Aliyev, elected him as President, and we have been on the path of development ever since. In the last 20 years, this development has become more rapid and is manifested across every domain.

This building was built in the 1960s at the expense of Azerbaijan’s budget. At that time, it was the building of the party committee of the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Province. It was called the “PartCom” building. Many people used to have offices in this building. There was a time when the Azerbaijanis and Armenians lived here in an amicable atmosphere. There was a time when the Azerbaijanis and Armenians lived in friendship not only in Khankendi but also in Karabakh, Baku, Gandja, Irevan, Goycha, Zangezur, Daralayaz, and Basarkechar. I remember those years. After Heydar Aliyev came to power in Soviet Azerbaijan, some nationalist forces that had existed in Karabakh until then completely withdrew for precisely 18 years. From 1969 to 1982, there was not a single incident. I remember coming here with my father. I remember that atmosphere. Here, there was a friendly atmosphere in the true sense of the word. Work was being done together. Today, we raised the Azerbaijani flag over the Sarsang Reservoir. The Sarsang and Sugovushan reservoirs were built on Heydar Aliyev’s initiative in 1976. At that time, so much investment was made in developing regional agriculture. A railway was built from Aghdam to Khankendi, a higher education institution was established here, and most of the buildings you see in Khankendi were built in those years. Agriculture was thriving. At that time, the former Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Province alone supplied 100,000 tons of grapes.

All this was a source of income for those working in collective and state farms at the time. People lived well here. There was no discrimination. To confirm these words, I can give you an example. At that time, the party committee of the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Province had a nine-member bureau. Eight of them were Armenians, and one was Azerbaijani, and he was the first secretary of the Shusha City Party Committee. So, if there was discrimination, then what does this example show? The first secretary was Armenian, the executive committee chairman was Armenian, and so were all other officials. There was no discrimination here at all. In Azerbaijan, a newspaper was published in the Armenian language, i.e., it was in those years, and we cannot simply discard those years aside. On the contrary, those who remember those years should share those memories with the younger generation. Because this was the case, but what happened next?

In 1987, Heydar Aliyev was removed from his position and the bureau of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. He was also ousted from the position of the First Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Soviet Union, and only two weeks passed when Armenian nationalists raised the issue of transferring the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Province from Azerbaijan to Armenia. It was raised by an Armenian nationalist who lived in Moscow. Where was this issue raised? In a French newspaper. France again. So today, when we return to that history and analyze those events, we can see that nothing was a coincidence.

Unfortunately, the then-Azerbaijani leadership let the situation spiral out of control and showed cowardice, helplessness, and indecision. Nationalists occupied this place, so many rallies with anti-Azerbaijani slogans were held in this square, and all this encouraged the nationalists even more. Armenian nationalists, Dashnaks, and bloodthirsty international terrorists were constantly coming here from Armenia. It was here that the policy of ethnic cleansing against our people began. Those sitting in this building in those years were the cause of the tragedies of Armenian and Azerbaijani peoples. Azerbaijan was left without Heydar Aliyev for only six years, and those six years remained in our history as a tragic, critical, and shameful period for us. Our lands were occupied, and anti-national governments replacing one another only tried to protect their personal interests during the Soviet period and during independence. In particular, due to the treacherous activities of the Popular Front-Musavat anti-national duo, this entire territory was occupied, and then they “froze their duties” and cowardly withdrew.

And again, the genius of Heydar Aliyev, his personality, and the Heydar Aliyev factor came to the aid of the Azerbaijani people, and we rightly refer to the Nation Leader as the Savior. At that time, the state independence of Azerbaijan was at stake.

Some of those holding the highest office positions in this building are now in Baku. They wanted to come to Baku, threatened us, said that their tanks would be on the streets of Baku, and were right in a sense. Their tanks ended up in the Military Trophies Park. They said that they would come to Baku to have tea. And they are right in this, too. They are having tea now in a detention facility. The three clowns who called themselves “president” challenged us from this building, threatening and insulting us. We approached this matter with restraint and patience, as with everything else. Because we knew that we would come here, I knew that. Exactly 20 years ago, on October 15, 2003, I made that promise to the people of Azerbaijan and myself. Yes, we waited for 20 years, or rather for 17 years. Three years ago, our flag was raised in Shusha. However, we have achieved what we wanted and fulfilled the decades-long wishes of the Azerbaijani people. We have restored the dignity of the Azerbaijani people. We have returned to our lands, we have restored our territorial integrity, and at the same time, we have restored our dignity.

The three clowns who used to sit here and call themselves “president” await their deserved punishment today. I wonder if the man who used to sit in one of these buildings and call himself a “prime minister” will ever dare to threaten us again. His tea is being served in the detention facility as we speak. A separatist who called himself a “foreign minister” once sarcastically said that Azerbaijan should open an embassy in our country if it wanted to raise its flag in Khankendi. Now, his tea is also served there in the detention facility. Our flag is flying high here. This should be a lesson to them.

Unfortunately, the words I said 20 years ago and repeated many times did not register with them. They thought those were just words. No, I do what I say; everyone knows it, including Armenia, and they should not forget it either. Don’t forget the Patriotic War! Don’t forget the counterterrorism operation! If some forces in Armenia ever think about revenge, let them take a good look at these images.

Dear compatriots, standing in this square today is a great happiness, joy, and a source of pride. I proudly raised the Azerbaijani flag today, and I want to say again to my dear people that we deserve this Victory. The people of Azerbaijan achieved this victory at the cost of their blood and lives. The Flag I raised today will fly here forever, and we will live here forever. Karabakh is ours, Karabakh is Azerbaijan!

 

Before the conference organized in the assembly hall of the Gusar District Executive Power, the participants visited the monument of National leader Heydar Aliyev. At the conference moderated by Abutalib Turabov, the National Anthem of Azerbaijan was first played, and then the souls of the great leader Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of our lands were commemorated with a minute of silence. Later, the film about the life and activities of Heydar Aliyev, the founder of modern Azerbaijan, national leader, was watched. David Ibramkhalilov, chairman of the Gusar district organization of the New Azerbaijan Party, greeted the conference participants and brought to the attention of the conference participants the undeniable role of the great leader Heydar Aliyev in the formation of our statehood traditions with his report entitled “Heydar Aliyev – ideals of national statehood and the modern era”. Telman Kazimov, head of the legal department of the Gusar District Executive Power, made a speech and spoke about the activities of Heydar Aliyev, who gained a great reputation among world politicians with his visionary and wise policy. Later, the director of the Genocide Memorial Complex, Dr. Rakhshanda Bayramova, emphasized the historical importance of the decree of March 26, 1998, which was the first legal and political evaluation of the genocide committed against Azerbaijanis by the national leader, wise politician Heydar Aliyev. He also stated that during the rule of Heydar Aliyev, along with the improvement of the social welfare of the people, the truths that were kept secret for many years and were banned were revealed, and the real value was given to the distorted events. Throughout the conference, the speakers provided relevant information to the participants. Thus, Mehriban Aliyeva, deputy director of the Memorial Complex, leading researcher of the Institute of Oriental Studies of ANAS, doctor of philosophy in history, associate professor Dr. Sübhan Talibli, Arzu Bagirova, scientific worker of the Gusar district Heydar Aliyev Center, Sariya Abidova, Ulkar Zeynalova, employees of the Complex, made speeches about the activities of the great leader who worked in many fields for the protection of historical memory, national ideology, and the perpetuity of the independence of Azerbaijan. At the end of the conference, which was attended by more than a hundred heads and employees of administrations, enterprises, organizations, the chairman of the YAP Gusar district organization, D. Ibramkhalilov, director of the Genocide Memorial Complex, Dr.Rakhshanda Bayramova were awarded with an Honorary Order.  

On the 3rd of October 2023, young schoolchildren who visited the gallery captured the guides’ attention with their inquisitive and numerous questions.

 

On 26.09.2023, the next “Master class” called “Archaeological research in the mass grave in Guba in 2007-2008” was held. ANAS Institute of Archeology, Ethnography and Anthropology, head of the sector of the collection of archaeological monuments, doctor of philosophy in history, associate professor Gahraman Agayev made a speech on the topic “Archaeological research in the mass grave in Guba in 2007-2008”. During the speech, the archaeologist stated that thousands of people were killed as a result of the successive ethnic cleansing, genocide and aggression carried out by the Armenians against the Azerbaijanis for many years, and this happened in almost all our regions. He stated that there are enough documents and facts about the genocides. The “Genocide Memorial Complex” in the city of Guba is a clear proof to convey these truths to the world. In the end, Kahraman Agayev answered the questions that interested the employees of the complex.

In the webinar moderated by the director of the complex Dr.Rakhshenda Bayramova, head of Armenian studies department of Caucasian Studies Institute of ANAS, doctor of philosophy in history, associate professor Elnur Kalbizade spoke on the topic. She brought to the attention of the participants of the seminar that the unshakable unity of the Azerbaijani people under the leadership of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev during the 44-day national war, the restoration of the country’s territorial integrity, historical justice, and international law as a result of the Iron Fist operation. In total, more than 40 scientific workers of different reserves participated in the webinar.

– My fellow citizens,

As you know, yesterday morning, due to a terrorist act committed by the Armenian armed forces, six Azerbaijani citizens – two civilians, became victims of a mine terror. It is not the first time that Armenia has committed a terrorist act against us. Since the end of the Second Karabakh War, more than 300 Azerbaijani citizens have become victims of mine terrorism or have been seriously injured.

Yesterday’s terrorist attack was one such incident. After the Second Karabakh War, mines were illegally delivered from Armenia to the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan and planted in various locations until the Lachin border checkpoint was established. Some time ago, the mines discovered by the Azerbaijan Armed Forces were shown to representatives of the Russian peacekeeping contingent and the Russia-Türkiye Monitoring Center, and the issue of taking serious measures was raised with and demanded from them. These mines were produced in Armenia in 2021. So, it once again shows that after the Second Karabakh War, these mines were deliberately delivered to carry out terrorist acts against Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan duly punished the enemy by immediately taking necessary steps. Local antiterrorist measures were started, and all pending objectives were completed in one day. The terrorists were punished, and it was shown to Armenia again that all of their provocations would be met with a fitting response.

As a result of the initiation and successful completion of anti-terrorist measures, Azerbaijan regained its sovereignty at around 1:00 p.m. yesterday.

Our servicemen have shown extraordinary heroism, bravery and professionalism during the anti-terrorist measures. In challenging terrain and despite the presence of fortifications created over the years of engineering works by the enemy, given that the enemy’s positions are located on hills and in favorable places, our servicemen once again, as I mentioned, showed heroism and professionalism and achieved significant military success in all directions in a short time. A large part of the army of the Armenian state, which was illegally stationed on the territory of Azerbaijan and has not been withdrawn to this day despite the obligation by the Armenian state, has been completely destroyed. Military equipment was obliterated and incapacitated.

Before the operation, I once again gave a strict order to all our military units that the Armenian population living in the Karabakh region should not be affected by the anti-terrorist measures and that the civilian population be protected. We have achieved this by using high-precision weapons. At the same time, civilians felt protected entirely thanks to the professionalism of our Armed Forces. In the meantime, I ordered that the civilian infrastructure not be targeted and only the military infrastructure be destroyed. I want to say again that the professionalism and technical capabilities of our Army and all of our Armed Forces made it possible to fulfill this duty with honor. Once again, Azerbaijani soldiers and officers showed high professionalism and moral qualities.

As a result of short-term local anti-terrorist measures, I would like to note again that most of the enemy’s weapons and equipment have been incapacitated. I should also state that more than a hundred tanks and armored vehicles belonging to the Armenian Army were illegally stationed in the territory of Azerbaijan. Electronic warfare systems were deployed. More than two hundred cannons and artillery installations, the most advanced anti-aircraft equipment, were deployed. Contrary to the Trilateral Statement of November 10, 2020, Armenia did not withdraw its armed forces, manpower, and equipment from our territory for three years. However, during numerous contacts with the leadership of Armenia and from the high rostrums of international events, I repeatedly turned to this issue. I expressed the Azerbaijani state’s rightful dissatisfaction. The November 10 Trilateral Statement was an act of capitulation of the Armenian state, and according to this act of capitulation, Armenia had to withdraw its armed forces from all Azerbaijani territories. But it refused.

Unfortunately, we had martyrs during anti-terror measures. May Allah rest the souls of our martyrs in peace! We have wounded soldiers and officers. May Allah grant recovery to them. They sacrificed their lives for the Motherland, justice, and Azerbaijan’s sovereignty. Their blessed memory will live forever in our hearts.

Of course, the successful progress of the operation seriously worried the Armenian state and the illegal junta regime operating under its auspices. As the operation unfolded, we received various vague signals from intermediaries. As a result of the successful offensive of our Armed Forces, these signals became more intense. This morning, the information provided by international partners was that illegal armed units, those units of the Armenian Army, are ready to accept our terms. I conveyed our terms to the United States Secretary of State yesterday, who called me. I was asked what is needed to stop the anti-terror measures. I said that the units of the Armenian Army illegally settled in our territory should lay down their weapons, be disarmed, and completely withdrawn from our territory. Simultaneously, they should hand over all weapons and equipment. Only in that case can Azerbaijan stop anti-terror measures. Otherwise, we will go until the end, and the enemy is very aware of our strength and determination.

In the morning, we were informed that our terms had been accepted. Moreover, representatives of the Armenian residents living in Karabakh, who refused to meet our representatives several months ago, were ready to meet in Yevlakh, the place we proposed. My response was that Azerbaijan always stands by its words. Both our friends and enemies know this. Our word is equally valuable as our signature, and if our terms are accepted, our military measures will stop. Today, a ceasefire was declared at 13:00. Unfortunately, the opposing side did not observe the ceasefire thoroughly, and our positions came under fire after the declaration of the ceasefire. Nevertheless, all our conditions were accepted in principle, and I must note that it is five minutes past six now.

The process of withdrawal of Armenia’s illegal armed units from their positions has already begun. In addition, they have accepted our terms and started laying down their arms. It begs the question – who benefited from causing this situation? After all, immediately after the Second Karabakh War, we repeatedly appealed to the Armenian leadership, their patrons abroad, and other parties, expressing our legitimate concern and saying to them that the continued presence of the Armenian armed forces on the territory of Azerbaijan was illegal and should stop. We were saying that the illegal junta should fold up its so-called flag, worth no more than a piece of cloth, and vacate our lands. It is our sovereign right.

Karabakh is the territory of Azerbaijan, and the whole world knows it, including the Armenian leadership itself. Whereas he once said, “Karabakh is Armenia, full stop,” now he says, “Karabakh is Azerbaijan”. In fact, not only does he say that, but he also does not forget to mention the dimensions of our territory. Indeed, he did not do it of his own free will. The “Iron Fist” forced him to do it, but the facts are apparent. After Armenia has recognized Karabakh as an integral part of Azerbaijan, what status can the criminal regime that has been calling the shots in Karabakh for 30 years have? What state attributes can there be? What elections can there be? Despite all the trilateral verbal agreements reached after the Second Karabakh War, fake “elections” were held in Karabakh on September 9, and a fake “president” was elected. That person immediately declared that they would pursue the status issue. Perhaps they had forgotten my words. When the Second Karabakh War ended, and Armenia threw in the towel, was brought to its knees, and signed the act of capitulation, I said that the status went to hell. For some time after the war, we did not hear any nonsense about the status. But as this fear slowly dissipated, revengeful forces started emerging again. Therefore, all these factors are further evidence that the regime of the illegal criminal junta has become impertinent and impudent. They forgot that they were living in the territory of Azerbaijan. Therefore, all our steps are legitimate, legal, and fair, and we are both responsible and proud. Again, the anti-terror measures were carried out with high professionalism and accuracy so that the civilian population was not affected and the civil infrastructure was not damaged. Only enemy positions, their weapons and equipment were destroyed.

And now, I am sure that the emergence of a new situation in our region is inevitable. After the surrender of the criminal junta, this source of tension, this den of poison, has already been consigned to history. The Armenian population of Karabakh can finally breathe a sigh of relief. I said this before, and I want to repeat it: the Armenian population of Karabakh are our citizens. Armenian nationalists, war criminals, and the so-called leaders of Armenia and Karabakh took these people hostage and poisoned their brains. They concocted endless lies about Azerbaijan and its people, brainwashed and poisoned them. I am sure that the Armenian population living in Karabakh will soon see a change for the better. We intend to build a life together based on peace, mutual understanding, and mutual respect. We have no problems with the Armenian people. We have no enmity.

Despite all the injustices and crimes the criminal Armenian regime committed, we have never blamed the Armenian people for those crimes. We did not blame the Armenian people for the Khojaly genocide, the destruction of our towns and villages, and the digging of graves. We accused the elements and leaders of the criminal regime, and we will bring them to justice. Some have already received their deserved punishment, and others will follow suit.

In two days, during a meeting of representatives of the Karabakh community with my representative in Yevlakh, we will convey to them our visions of future coexistence. All their rights will be guaranteed: educational rights, cultural rights, religious rights, and municipal electoral rights because Azerbaijan is a free society. Azerbaijan is a multi-ethnic, multi-confessional state. It is our great asset. Representatives of every nationality living in Azerbaijan can see this. There is no need to explain that. It is our way of life. There has never been and will never be discrimination on religious and ethnic grounds in Azerbaijan, and the Second Karabakh War showed it again. Representatives of all nationalities, representatives of all ethnic groups, all confessions united as one fist – for Azerbaijan, for dignity, for the Motherland! Therefore, look at this beautiful atmosphere; this is a natural environment, and we are inviting the Armenian population of Karabakh to enjoy it. We are ready to implement various social programs. We are rebuilding all of Karabakh and East Zangezur. Look how much we have done in just two years.

In two years, not even 1 percent of what has been done in that region for 30 years was accomplished – power plants, bridges, tunnels, reservoirs, residential buildings, villages, and cities are being built. In just two years. Without receiving any help, we alone. I said that when the Second Karabakh War ended, we would turn Karabakh and East Zangezur into a paradise, and we are turning it into a paradise; everyone who visits there can see that. We will create the same conditions in Khankendi, Aghdara, Khojavand, in the villages, in Askeran. This is all in our hands. So, this is our proposal, and today was the turning point. The junta, the bloodsucking leeches, have already been completely exposed and surrendered. They threw in the towel!

Today, a new historic chance has been created for ordinary people living in Karabakh. Take advantage of that chance. We are ready for this, and the Azerbaijani people know this, and I am sure that the Armenian people also know that I am a man of my word. We propose this, and I hope that our proposal will be accepted. This proposal is based on logic, historical justice, international law and future development and is calculated for future growth.

During this period, today and yesterday, Armenia has unexpectedly shown political competence, which we appreciate. We see this as an essential factor, and the events that happened today and yesterday will also positively impact the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

I want to hope that the steps we have taken and the results of anti-terrorist measures will allow us the opportunity to finally remove the obstacle to the peace talks created by Armenia, whatever you call it, and this will create a new reality in the South Caucasus, will create peace, lasting peace. We must ensure that the other side does not live with revanchist ideas, and they must also rest assured that we do not have sights for their land. We recognize their territorial integrity and have declared it, and we recognize the territorial integrity of all countries. We demanded that from them and the stubborn Armenians behind them. Those who are not with them in a difficult moment, who are located far away in Europe, should know – the farther they are from our region, the more comfortable the region will be; breathe a sigh of relief, and we are offering that. We propose that the future of South Caucasus countries should be based on peace, tranquility and development. We suggest that the forces, the fraudsters, and corrupt politicians sitting far from our region that pursue their political agenda and use the Armenian people as a tool and exploit them to leave us alone. Those who sit on the other side of the world and make groundless accusations against us should get their hands off us. Let the South Caucasus, this region, which has been a place of fighting, wars and bloody clashes for centuries, breathe easy. We have had enough! We demand this, and I want to say that the position of the Armenian state yesterday and today gives hope. It gives hope that the day is not far when Azerbaijan and Armenia will settle the issues between them, sign a peace treaty, and countries of the South Caucasus start working on future cooperation in a trilateral format. But at the same time, I must also say that those who despise us, those who despise our land, and those who set their sights on our lands should never forget that the Iron Fist is in place and will always be! No one can speak to us in the language of dictate and ultimatums! Let no one forget this! Don’t forget that Karabakh is Azerbaijan!

 

 According to the relevant order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Aliyev, in order to convey to the world community the criminal acts committed by Armenian nationalists in connection with territorial claims against Azerbaijan in 1918 throughout the country, to protect the national memory of the future generations of the Azerbaijani people and to perpetuate the memory of the victims of the genocide, in the area where the mass grave was discovered. , with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the “Genocide Memorial Complex” was built in the city of Guba, on September 18, 2013, the Complex was opened with the participation of Mr. President Ilham Aliyev and the President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva. At present, the Genocide Memorial Complex is the only ideological place that includes Armenian vandalism. Built with a special architectural style and meeting modern standards, the Complex has been visited by more than 1 million people since its opening, of which more than 200,000 were foreign visitors. Visitors are provided with a professional guide service in 4 languages. The Genocide Memorial Complex in addition of being a historical place also a scientific center. Thus, various events, international conferences, symposiums and other events are regularly organized here in order to promote and introduce the events of the genocide to a wide audience. The main mission of the complex is to declare Armenian vandalism as it is, to promote Azerbaijani truths both locally and internationally, and to educate people so that such a situation does not happen again anywhere in the world.