SPEECH OF ALIYEV AT THE 33RD SESSION OF ISLAMIC CONFERENCE OF MPS
AzerTag, Azerbaijan
June 19 2006
Dear Mr. Secretary General,
Dear ministers, heads of delegations,
Dear guests!
I cordially welcome all of you and say: "Welcome to Azerbaijan!"
We highly estimate carrying out in Azerbaijan of the 33rd Session of
Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers. In Azerbaijan, it is for the
first time is being held such authoritative meeting. Certainly, we
very much would like, that discussions during the session, exchange
of views have even more improved our work, have strengthened our
contacts. I do not doubt that the would-be-made decisions, including
Baku Declaration will make huge contributions to out work.
The Organization of Islamic Conference strengthens its positions,
opportunities of influence of the organization on processes occurring
in the world extend, which, certainly, very much pleases us. Our
brotherly, friendly connections, solidarity gives us more forces. Our
contacts in political plane are at very high level. Alongside with
bilateral relations, we successfully take part in various international
actions, various projects of regional cooperation in a multilateral
format. Certainly, we very much would like for strengthening of
contacts among us in all areas. First of all, in the field of economy,
as today economic opportunities, economic potential, certainly, define
force of the country, its opportunity of influence. Our activity
should be directed on mutual support, strengthening of economy of
our countries. For this purpose, undoubtedly, it is necessary to
expand mutual trade contacts even more. I hope, that the today’s
meeting will give very important impulse to the work forthcoming in
this area, and cooperation between the OIC member states in all areas
will become closer.
Simultaneously, at present session questions disturbing us will be
discussed, it is necessary for us to state the position. In some cases,
the processes occurring in the world cause our concern. First of all,
attempts of mass media of some countries and the certain political
circles to associate the Islam with terrorism cause our extreme
concern and indignation. We, in any way, cannot presume it.
The Islam cannot be associated with terrorism. The Islam is a religion
of peace, good, and tolerance. Azerbaijan itself is a victim of
terror. The Armenian terrorist organizations have committed against
us over 30 acts of terrorism, as a result of which were killed 2
thousands of Azerbaijanis. Nevertheless, we do not connect these
terrorist organizations with this or that religion. It is wrongful. The
terrorism does not have either religion, or nationality. Therefore, it
is necessary for us to make more confidently the protest against it,
to state the position. Besides, we should, using all opportunities
of propagation, to express the attitude to this negative tendency
causing extreme concern, to prevent it by our activity.
Another question we are concerned is strengthening of the tendencies of
hatred for Islam. Now we speak much on dialogue among civilizations,
in fact, in life we see contrary. We see that in numerous countries
there occur cases of religious discrimination, the people of Islamic
faith are not duly regarded, but we cannot by any way admit this
religious discrimination. Now we speak of globalization, dialogue
between civilizations, and quickly attain democratic values. In this
case, we can on no ground reconcile with the existence of religious,
or national discrimination, or negatively regarding the believers of
any religion. I am convinced that as a result of common efforts of
countries of the Organization of Islamic Conference we shall state
our position. I hope our common activity will bring clarity to all
the questions wee are concerned and they will be prevented.
Today, we gave gathered in Azerbaijan. I have already noted that this
is a landmark event for us. It is for the first time such an event
is being held in Azerbaijan and I hope, you, at the same time, will
have chance to recognize with our country. Azerbaijan is an ancient
country, a historical land. As an independent state, it is young.
Only 15 years ago, Azerbaijan has restored its state independence and
up to day is strengthening its positions on international arena. Our
independent policy serves interests of the Azerbaijani people. We are
participants of numerous regional and international projects and their
initiators. There is established political stability in Azerbaijan,
civil solidarity. We very quickly strengthen our economic potential and
from the point of economic growth, Azerbaijan now is among the leading
states. Last year the GDP made up 26 percent. In five months of current
year, it made up 40 percent. Growth of industrial production is on high
level either. Many working places were open, and we courageously battle
poverty. In a word, Azerbaijan is a dynamically developing country and
of course, this opens new opportunities, new horizons. As a member of
world community, Azerbaijan stands on constructive position. At the
United Nations Organization, in other international organizations,
we always support the position of the OIC member states and this
policy will go on further.
At the same time, I would like to note that after gaining our state
independence up to date we have always received assistance form the
member states of the Organization of the Islamic Conference. We
appreciate the efforts of the OIC member states in support of
Azerbaijan’s position on international organizations and taking the
opportunity I would express my gratitude to all representatives.
Along with accomplishments, we, of course, have problems in
socio-economic field, and we solve them. But there are problems
hard to solve with only efforts. The heaviest and major of them is
settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabakh conflict. For
long years, as a result of Armenia’s aggression, 20 percent of our
lands were occupied. Due to policy of ethnic cleanse of Armenia,
over one million of Azerbaijanis were ousted form their homelands and
became refugees and IDPs. As a result of the Armenian aggression,
all buildings, all the infrastructures in the occupied territories
were completely destroyed. The Armenians ruined the graves of our
ancestors, the mosques, historical monuments, and all the houses.
This is an unprecedented vandalism. This problem Azerbaijan faces
lessens the cooperation tendencies in region. We try and hope
that we shall achieve settlement of this question peacefully,
by negotiations. We adhere peace talks. But we cannot reconcile
with the existent situation. Territorial integrity of Azerbaijan is
recognized by the entire world, except Armenia. The United Nations
Organization has adopted four Resolutions on this question. In these
resolutions, it is stated that the Armenian armed forces should
unconditionally leave the Azerbaijan lands. But those resolutions are
not implemented. Resolutions of other authoritative organizations have
demanded the same. Also the Organization of Islamic Conference, the
Council of Europe, GUAM and others have stated their open and principle
position in this question. Unfortunately, those resolutions have no
implementation mechanism. What is the most anxious is that the most
influential world organization – the United Nations Organization has
no mechanism connected to effective implementation of resolutions. Now,
there are discussions on reforms in the United Nations Organization. I
consider, that the first reform should define implementation mechanisms
for all the resolutions. If the resolution has been adopted, it should
be implemented. If the country does not implement the resolution,
it must undergo relevant measures. This will improve much more the
work of the United Nations Organization.
Azerbaijan will never reconcile with the violence of its territorial
integrity. The ongoing negotiations will lead to peace agreement in
that case if territorial integrity of Azerbaijan is restored. I am
convinced, that we shall achieve this.
>From the historical point of view, Nagorno Karabakh is Azerbaijani
land, and the Armenians have come there in early 19th century. From the
legal point of view, Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity is recognized,
and Nagorno Karabakh is an integral part of Azerbaijan.
>From the political point of view, Azerbaijan’s positions strengthen,
and support of the international organizations is very important for
us. Also position of the Organization of Islamic Conference and its
rising reputation gives impulse to our policy. From the economic point
of view, Azerbaijan develops quickly. We are just in the beginning,
and the future will be very successful. According to estimations, rapid
economic development of Azerbaijan will make it a rich country. All
these factors gives reason to tell that we shall achieve resolution
of the questions, and I want to do it peacefully.
And at the same time, all other variants should be on the agenda.
Taking the opportunity, I once again express deep gratitude to the
Organization of Islamic Conference for support of our fair cause.
Of course, we must regard the processes ongoing in region. Progress
is possible only in existence of peace, stability and security. It to
take positive samples, where it is ensured, there is development. We
live in this region. Therefore, the processes in region, undoubtedly,
in certain measure, define our policy. At the same time, Azerbaijan’s
policy has certain impact on regional processes. In that case,
we all should try that peace, safety be established in region, the
possible risks reduced. We should not admit new risks and solve all
the questions by negotiations. We adhere this and in this case, the
risks will reduce in region. We want this. We want that our countries
developed, our peoples lived better, were more educated. One of our
problems is connected with education. Education of our people, getting
high knowledge is an important question and it defines the world’s
future. Knowledge, literacy, and application of new technologies –
all these are important for us. Our solidarity, mutual support,
perhaps, will ease our work.
Dear guests, I once again would like to tell that I am very pleased
that you are in Azerbaijan. For some of you it is the first trip
to Azerbaijan, and nice opportunity to recognize Azerbaijan. I am
convinced that our contacts with the member states of the Organization
of the Islamic Conference will further strengthen. I reiterate, that
Azerbaijan is the member of the world community for only 15 years. We
must be known, present us, and offer our opportunities to speed up
our cooperation. Azerbaijan intends to strengthen its activity in the
Organization of Islamic Conference. We consider that the Organization
has a leading role and we hope this role will rise. Our positions
will be as strong as strong is the Organization.
I once again cordially welcome you in Azerbaijan, and wish success
to the session. Thank you.
Abu Baker al-Qirbi, Foreign Minister of Yemen, Syed Hamid Albar,
Foreign Minister of Malaysia, Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, Secretary
General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference delivered their
reports. They thanked President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev for his
interesting address, excellent organization of the event and good
conditions created for the guests and recalled with great pleasure
Azerbaijani Leader’s visiting the OIC headquarters in Jeddah.
Speakers highlighted national leader’s historical services and
said that famous political figure Heydar Aliyev highly assessed OIC
activities. "Heydar Aliyev’s interesting address at the OIC session
in 1998 is an example for us," said the speakers. According to them,
he initiated some important events for the solidarity of the Moslem
world and his efforts towards preserving Islamic values, maintaining
stability in the Caucasus will never be forgotten.
Reporters told of the work done last year and found a need for
implementing reforms in this international organization and further
enhancing economic, political, scientific, cultural, technological
cooperation among member countries. They touched upon Palestine,
Iraq, Kashmir, Cyprus problems, Nagorno-Karabkh conflict as well as
ongoing developments in Somalia and Sudan. They stressed that these
conflicts and problems should be resolved in line with international
legal standards. Aggressive Armenia occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijani
territories, pursued the policy of ethnic cleansing and destroyed
cultural monuments. OIC wants peace and stability be restored all
over the world and is going to open its office in Iraq to the effect.
In their reports, speakers strongly criticized publication of the
cartoons of Prophet Mohammad in the western press. Respecting all
religions OIC will continue its activities towards promotion of
dialogue among civilizations. Speakers highlighted the need to develop
economic cooperation among OIC member countries, in particular, OIC-
initiated projects covering a variety of fields.
OIC Secretary General I. Ihsanoglu reported that a special
ten-year plan of actions was approved at the OIC meeting held last
year in Mecca. The plan envisaged the ways of settlement of the
Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict and other problems as well as issues
concerning economic, trade relations.
OIC Secretary General presented this plan to President of Azerbiajan
Ilham Aliyev. Speaking at the meeting on behalf of Asian, African and
Arab states, Foreign Ministers of Pakistan, Guinea, Sudan, thanked
Azerbaijani leader and Government of Azerbaijan for the hospitality
and excellent organization of the event.
Then, Azerbaijan took over the presidency of 33-rd Session of OIC
Foreign Ministers
Then, Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan thanked President Ilham Aliyev
for the chance to participate in the session and considered the
presidency of Azerbaijan as the great responsibility.
X X X
After the break, the session continued its work behind the closed
doors. In the evening, President of Azerbaijan hosted at the Baku
Entertainment Center the dinner in honor of the Foreign Ministers/
Heads of Delegation.
The session will continue its work June 20.