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President Ilham Aliyev: â€œOur greatest problem is that the internationally recognized lands of Azerbaijan are occupied for many yearsâ€

11 October 2011 07:57 (UTC +04:00)

Baku â€“ APA. â€œAlong with all positive tendencies, there are difficulties in humanitarian sphere in Azerbaijan. The internationally recognized lands of Azerbaijan are occupied for many years. It is a great humanitarian disasterâ€, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said in his speech at the International Humanitarian Forum â€œ21st century: hopes and challengesâ€ in Baku.

The head of state said that one million Azerbaijanis became refugees and IDPs: â€œThe ethnic cleansing policy was pursued against Azerbaijan. Armeniaâ€™s aggression policy caused great damages to Azerbaijan. The country experienced both material and moral damages. We hope that this conflict will be settled and Azerbaijanâ€™s internationally recognized territorial integrity will be restored in the near futureâ€.

President underlined that there is strong legal basis to do it: â€œUN Security Council adopted 4 resolutions, which demand unconditional withdrawal of Armenian armed forces from Azerbaijani territories. UN General Assembly adopted a resolution. The European Parliament, Islamic Cooperation Organization, the Council of Europe, OSCE, i.e. all international organizations adopted very valuable decisions and resolutions, which strengthened our position. Unfortunately, the fulfillment of these resolutions has been still impossible. I say again, together with all difficulties, it was a great humanitarian catastrophe, because, unfortunately Azerbaijan is a leading country for the number of refugees per capitaâ€.

President Aliyev said that this conflict must be settled in the near future, our citizens must return to their homes: â€œIt is their right, their elementary right. The justice must be restored. The development of Azerbaijan in all spheres in recent years inspires us and at the same time increases our responsibility. The initiatives proposed by Azerbaijan on regional issues, is important not only for us, but for whole region. Our economic and political initiatives have only one purpose: first of all, Azerbaijani people must live better. From the other side, the people living in neighborhood must be always coordinated. The purpose of our regional initiatives is strengthening our relations with neighboring countries. Today it is so. Azerbaijan has very sincere and constructive relations with the neighbors. Our relations with all countries were established on very healthy basis. These are friendly, partnership and equitable relationsâ€.