“Good and new buildings will be built in Nagorno Karabakh after liberation of our territories. I have no doubt and absolutely confident that Azerbaijan will restore its territorial integrity and this injustice will end”, – said Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the opening ceremony of central headquarters of the Azerbaijani community of Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, APA reports quoting AzerTAc.
President noted that the internationally recognized territorial integrity of our country will be restored. Nagorno-Karabakh is a historical land of Azerbaijan. “Now all the realities related with Nagorno Karabakh conflisct bting to World community thanks to our activities. As a result of our effective activity in the leading international organizations of the World all realities and the truth about the history and culture of this region is bringing to the members of those organizations’ notice. There were falsehood and distorted informations about history of Nagorno Karabakh in the early years of the conflict as a result of the activities of Armenian lobby and lack of great opportunities of Azerbaijan has in the international arena. But today I can confidently say that Azerbaijan has been able to deliever great blow to the false propaganda of Armenia and the Armenian lobby. Today, all major international organizations of the world suppor the just cause of Azerbaijan by adopted resolutions. UN, the European Parliament, OSCE, Council of Europe, Organisation of Islamic Conference and other organizations at different times adopted resolutions that reflect the true which are the basis for resolving the conflict”, – President told.
There are various documents, is evidence that Nagorno Karabakh is Azerbaijan’s native land. “Unfortunately, these realities for many years not widely brought to the world communitiy’s notice. That is, the international community was not informed about it. This is one aspect of our problems. On the other hand, even today, when all realities deliever to the all international organizations through our activities we sometimes still see the injustice to Azerbaijan. In some cases, they turn a blind eye to the realities. These realities are ignored, and certain foreign circles continue to pursue its policy based on fictitious facts and distorted history. It is the policy of double standards. Unfortunately, this approach existed in the world before and continues to exist today. Double standards mean unfair. How much it is justice to equate the occupier and the victim of occupation? “The president said.
He stressed the importance of the decisions taken by international organizations. In some cases may be appear such opinion that decisions are made, the voice of the truth of Azerbaijan had already heard by the world community at all international forums, but the conflict is not resolved. It’s true. But at the same time, the decisions of international organizations are the basis for resolving the problem. The basis for the solution of the question in any way. Notwithstanding the violation of Armenia to international law, no one denies it. That is, the world community and the world are formed and operate on the basis of international law. UN and other organizations – that is, the statutes, the objectives of these organizations are built on justice, democracy and legal norms, and conflict resolution in any form should be based on international law. “If Azerbaijan will see that the peace process has been exhausted, no hope, and give preference to the military path, then again, international law supports our position, as in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter clearly states that each country has full rights of self-defense. We want to resolve the issue peacefully. We want our territorial integrity was restored by peaceful means, through negotiations. But it is not yet possible, Azerbaijani President said.
Resistance of Armenians did not impede adoption of that resolution, President said.
In his view, the current situation is that the processes associated with the conflict, which is awaiting its solution on the basis of international law, developed in a positive direction, because after the UN Security Council resolutions over the years in various international organizations have taken important decisions.
Referring to the settlement of the conflict, he noted that Azerbaijan should recover and restore its territorial integrity. Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity was not put under doubt in talks. Today updated principles on the basis of Madrid Principles provides the restoration of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. That is why Azerbaijan participates in these negotiations and demonstrate to them constructively. “We have always sought to ensure that the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan took into account the conflict to be resolved on this basis, and have done so. Today, co-chair countries, perhaps more openly express their opinions. Highlights the following important point: the issue should be resolved on the basis of the Helsinki principles”, – he said.
“What are these Helsinki principles?” said Aliyev. Probably, this is well known by those who engaged in the issue. Here, the main principle – territorial integrity. There is also the principle of self-determination of peoples. However, this principle shall not prejudice the territorial integrity of countries to join with her in a contradiction. Features self-determination of peoples must not violate the territorial integrity of countries. These are the essence and meaning of the Helsinki principles. Co-chair countries have put forward under this project proposal, and Azerbaijan, with certain exceptions, accepts them. What they are? I want once again to inform about it. Primarily, the occupation forces are leaving from all the occupied regions around Nagorno-Karabakh. Five areas liberates immediately, but two areas – Kalbajar and Lachin – after a certain period. The proposals provided for a five-year period. The reason for this is that Kalbajar and Lachin districts are located between Nagorno Karabakh and Armenia and, in some way, be taken more extensive security measures for the return of Azerbaijani population in these areas. “However, all regions, all areas are returned to Azerbaijani control. Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh operate the road, that is a corridor, and Azerbaijan agreed with these proposals. Since this is an important issue to resolve the conflict. As should be afforded all guarantees of security “said the Head of State.
President emphasized that Azerbaijan has no intention as policy of ethnic cleansing like the Armenians. The Azerbaijani people have never resorted to such dirty deeds. Therefore, existing between Nagorno Karabakh and Armenia, the road should function as it functioned before, and I believe that this proposal can be accepted. Should be given security guarantees. At the administrative border of Nagorno-Karabakh should be placed peacekeeping force, and I think that’s in it there is no threat for us, so it should be ensured the safety of the citizens of Azerbaijan, who returned to the occupied land at the moment. Peacekeeping force will perform this function so long as all parties would not take the security measures, he said.
Aliyev noted that discusses the provision of Nagorno Karabakh transitional status. This status does not violate the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. All refugees should return to their homes. This means that the citizens of Azerbaijan should return to Nagorno-Karabakh, Shusha, as openly stated in a recent statement by the three co-chairs. That is, democratic principles, reflecting the norms of international law and, thus, may be the only option for resolving the issue. Once again I want to say: with certain exceptions, Azerbaijan adopted these basic principles, and we expect a similar approach, and from Armenia. But the information that known to us is not very positive. Apparently, the Armenian side would prefer to continue their tactics. That is, they are trying to maximize, within its capabilities, tighten the issue and to continue the occupation.
Of course, the Azerbaijani side can never accept this, he said. For many years we take part in negotiations, demonstrate constructive position. At various times, the Armenian side destroyed talks and events in Armenia shows negative effect to the negotiations. Terrorist attacks in the Armenian parliament, a coup in Armenia in the late 1990’s, and other crimes have created a major problem for the settlement of the conflict.
The president said that if the conflict is resolved on the basis of these principles, the interests of Azerbaijan will be fully secured. First, the citizens of Azerbaijan will return all the regions around Nagorno-Karabakh. In recent years the population of Azerbaijan grew, and, of course, the demographic situation in the region for a short time completely satisfy our interests. Return of the Azerbaijani population to Nagorno-Karabakh, Shusha should be mandatory. Perhaps, it would take a few more time. But without that this conflict can not be resolved, and Azerbaijan will use all possibilities to achieve this in the shortest possible time, he said.
Ilham Aliyev believes that the establishment of peace, open communication will have a positive impact on the running processes in the region. Today it is no secret that the balance of forces between Armenia and Azerbaijan has changed in our favor. We were able to achieve this. Azerbaijan is far superior to Armenia in any area. From the perspective of the economic potential of Azerbaijan’s economy is 7-8 times higher than the Armenian economy. Demographic potential also strengthens the position of Azerbaijan. Today the population of Azerbaijan is 9 million, while the population of Armenia on the unofficial, but accurate data – somewhere around 1 million 800 thousand people. According to information we have today in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan is home to about 60,000 people, a population of one district. Economy, geographic location, demographics, building armies, industrial capacity, the geopolitical situation and strengthen the position of Azerbaijan in the region and the world – all these factors reinforce our position and enable us to achieve our goal, the president said.
He expressed hope that the co-chair countries sending serious signals of Armenia, will achieve that Armenia has also positively responded to officially presented in December by co-chair the proposal and thus, the parties will make another step forward. Otherwise, says the Head of State, the successful continuation of the negotiations will be under doubt because until now, that is, from its inception in 1992, the Minsk Group to date in various processes, negotiations were various stages. Each stage has led to anything. He noted that in previous periods sometimes unconstructive position of Armenia led to the breakdown of negotiations. Over the past 5-6 years, based on principles formed the format of negotiations, called “Prague Process”. “Today we came to the logical end of this process or its critical phase, in December, on the basis of the Madrid principles were presented updated proposals. One side – Azerbaijan agreed in principle with these proposals. The other side agrees or not, or is still working on tightening time. If the opposite party – Armenia does not respond positively to these proposals, then in the continuation of negotiations in this format does not make sense “, said Aliyev.
If the continuation of negotiations in this format will be impossible, then the peace process in general is not worth talking about. As to date has been discussed various options presented proposals on the basis of various formulas. But there is no result.
He believes that the format, which is called “Prague Process” – this is the last chance. Last chance for Armenia to voluntarily leave the occupied lands and thus ensure their future and security, no longer live in fear, the president of Azerbaijan.
He stressed that this stage is crucial. Recently, during negotiations with representatives of the co-chairs, we expressed an opinion about this. We believe that at this critical time should be taken all necessary steps to resolve the issue.
Aliyev said that has no doubt that Azerbaijan will restore its territorial integrity. Our position in the first place, supported by international law. Our position supports the will of the Azerbaijani people.
At the same time, President noted that the various governing circles in Armenia even formed an opinion: The negotiations have been conducted for nearly 20 years, let them continue another 10 years, and then another 10 years, and here we will deal only with simulation. Over time, the Azerbaijanis forget about those regions, to light a new generation that will not be associated with this region.
Azerbaijani people oppose all such opinions to their will. “Let the Armenians do not judge us by themselves. They may be able to forget their historic homeland. The Azerbaijani people can never forget their historic homeland. Today, children born in the tent cities, Baku and other places in the families of the Nagorno-Karabakh and the occupied regions, live with one idea, one dream – to return to their native lands. We will never abandon their cause. We keep abreast of the Armenian to until will not return to their lands and restore the territorial integrity of our country. We will never reconcile with the current situation “, – he said.
The President reminded that today’s Azerbaijan – it is not that Azerbaijan, that 20 years ago. At a time when they were occupied our land in Azerbaijan was in chaos. In Azerbaijan, there were no state army. On the other hand, Armenia was provided both financial and military support from abroad. “How much time we have cleared and arrested foreign mercenaries. But even then, Armenia has not had the opportunity to create problems for Azerbaijan, not to mention the current situation. Today, Azerbaijan – it is a strong, independent country, which raises his voice of truth in all forums, not afraid of anybody, has a strong army.
Today our army is capable of solving any problem. I do not doubt it. I am absolutely sure”, – he said.
History of Independence was a chance – and for us, and for Armenia, and for all other former Soviet republics. As a country to take this chance, it depends on the will of this country, its people’s wishes.
President said that today, Azerbaijan successfully uses this chance. We – a strong country, which lives by its own expense. Affects on the running processes in the region. For all countries, even with super powers establishing equal relations based on mutual respect and mutual interests. We are not ashamed in front of anyone. We don’t ask anything from others, even they ask something from us. And we help withinh our opportunity toothers.
What makes Armenia? Armenia’s independence is conditional. This country can not be considered independent, since it is unable to pursue an independent policy, controlled by the will of the other circles. It has no independent economic policy. The entire infrastructure, all strategic sites in the hands of other countries. The population is reduced, there was a demographic and economic crisis. If the crisis in the past year they had received no aid from abroad, the country would have completely collapsed. How long they will live by the expense of foreign donations? That’s why I say that this is a historic choice. Azerbaijan has successfully used this chance to independence, he said.
The President expressed confidence that Azerbaijan’s choice was correct. We will continue to strengthen our capacity in all areas – economic, industrial areas, we will step up diplomatic efforts, the construction of the army. “I am confident that we will liberate our land from the invaders”, – President.
”Armenia believes that over time their positions strengthened. This is the wrong approach. Their positions in all areas of weakening. Just a strong position world-spread Armenians ensure preservation of today’s status-quo. Yet provide. But the status-quo can not be eternal, long-term”, – Aliyev said.
He recalled that there was a ceasefire. But today in the region there is no peacekeeping force, there is Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers. The distance between them at times of 40-50 meters. Nobody can give guarantees that it will not happen unpleasant events. How long will the Azerbaijani people must endure? How long he must tolerate this injustice? This in a sense could be explained at the time when the Armenian-Azerbaijani military balance existed. But today, such a military balance does not exist. And we know it, he said.
Today I also want to say that proposed in the peace process option, sure, can become the basis for solving the issue. Azerbaijan once again demonstrates the constructive position, wants to continue his work on the basis of proposals submitted in December. If the opposing side will show a similar position, then we can come closer to solving the issue.
Ilham Aliyev said that the occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh and adjacent regions is unbearable. The people of Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijani leadership will never put up with this situation. “This issue is for us and for me as president as a priority. And until then, until the issue is not resolved, it will remain a priority”, – he said.
Next, the participants presented their views of the meeting.
APA
