AzerTag, Azerbaijan
June 23 2006
THE AZERBAIJANI ARMY CREATED BY NATIONAL LEADER HEYDAR ALIYEV, IS
CAPABLE TO SOLVE ALL PROBLEMS FACING IT
SPEECH OF PRESIDENT OF AZERBAIJAN, SUPREME COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF ILHAM
ALIYEV AT GRADUATION CEREMONY AT HEYDAR ALIYEV HIGH MILITARY SCHOOL
[June 23, 2006, 20:37:24]
Dear cadets, officers and generals!
Dear graduates!
Ladies and Gentlemen!
I cordially congratulate you and wish every success on the coming Day
of Armed Forces. Moreover, today is a graduation day at the
Azerbaijan High Military School bearing the name of Heydar Aliyev,
and I congratulate the graduates on this wonderful occasion. I am
confident that the graduates will serve honorably in the ranks of the
Azerbaijan~Rs Army.
The fact that the School bears the name of the great leader Heydar
Aliyev puts additional responsibility on those who study in it. The
great leader has made great contribution to army building in
Azerbaijan. It is the alumni of the military school after
Nakhchivanski founded in 1970s that today are honorably and worthily
serving the National Army of Azerbaijan, and strengthen our military
potential. The process of army building was continued more rapidly
under the leadership of Heydar Aliyev after Azerbaijan regained its
state independence. If to take into account that in the first years
of independence there was no a single command in the army, one can
see how severe were the conditions under which the process of army
building was going then. On the one hand, there were various negative
factors – economic, political and military crisis, and internal
confrontation – within the country, on the other hand Armenian
Aggression against Azerbaijan and loss of lands as a result: in such
a situation, the army building process, as a matter of fact, started
from nothing.
However, it took a short period of time to build a powerful Army in
Azerbaijan, which today is capable to cope with any task. Our army
has stronger material and technical basis, and more qualified
manpower. Of course, great attention is paid to training of military
personnel. In this context, improvement of activities of the High
Military School is of great importance. For already several years
this School has sent its alumni to the Army thereby contributing to
our army~Rs strength.
Today great attention is paid to the army building. You feel it, and
the society feels that. Strengthening of army concerns every citizen,
it is duty of everybody. First of all, the state should not spare
attention. We try to develop all the processes in army building. In
strengthening of the material-technical base of army increase of
allotted means from the state budget is necessary and we do that. In
the last three years, the military expenses have increased by 4
times. In 2003, the expenses allotted for army building made up 135
million dollars, while in 2006 these expenses are about 700 million
dollars, and in the coming years we shall increase them. In last
years, a lot was done in strengthening of material-technical base of
army, many technics and equipment, modern weapons purchased. And,
thus, the Army of Azerbaijan has strengthened much. This process will
be continued. Azerbaijan lives in war conditions and in this case, at
first, the army building should be paid more attention.
I often visit the military units, familiarize with the state of
things, meet the soldiers and I see the preparation is high level. It
pleases much. The army should have nice condition, best service, at
the same time, professionalism and fighting spirit. All these are
available, ether. And education of youth in high patriotic sense is
also important.
There are number of factors that defines success and development of
each country. These factors are available and in Azerbaijan. I
consider strong economy, good welfare of people, strengthening of our
sovereignty and existence of strong army will have great influence on
Azerbaijan~Rs development. Now the country is in progress. This
progress is available in all fields and perhaps, it bases on strong
economic reforms, successful oil strategy. Initiator of the oil
strategy was our great leader Heydar Aliyev. Signing of the ~SContract
of the Century~T in 1994 on his initiative and as a result of
development of the oil projects later, today Azerbaijan economically
depends on nobody. Azerbaijan lives the period of economic progress
and this policy, the taken measures define our country~Rs long-term
development strategy.
Operation of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline is historical
event. This is an unprecedented event for our people, country, and
region, for strengthening of safety measures in region, for regional
cooperation, for Azerbaijan~Rs strong position in the world community.
Great leader Heydar Aliyev has initiated these projects. By operation
of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline the development will envelope
all the fields in Azerbaijan.
Our economy strengthens. Last year, the economic growth reached the
highest level in the world and made up 26 percent. In five months of
current year, the GDP averaged 40 percent. In future, by realization
of all the economic programs, we shall have greater achievements.
This strengthens is our economy, involves additional financial
recourses to the country, and thus, our opportunities increase. Our
budget now nears 5 billion dollars. Total budget is bigger. State
budget of Azerbaijan has increased several times in the last years.
This enables us to resolve all the questions. First of all, in the
army building. In absence of these economic opportunities, we would
not be able to allot such a big amount to the army. In future, our
budget will increase much more. And thus, the army will receive much
more allotment.
At the same time, we pay great attention to solution of the social
problems. As you know, the wages are increased twice in a year, the
minimum wages, and the wages of different categories of people are
increased. Yesterday I have signed a Decree on increase of wages of
the servicemen twice. In whole, on the last three years, the wages of
servicemen have been increased three times. I consider that it is,
too, not enough. By increase of our economic opportunities, of
course, we shall pay more attention to the wages, and not only of the
servicemen, but also all the people of numerous categories.
Great structural and construction works are being carried out in
Azerbaijan. Large project of great importance for the country~Rs
future are underway. Now, 6 power stations are under construction to
strengthen energy sector of Azerbaijan. A new water pipeline is being
laid to Baku. The gas mains are renewed. Only during the last year,
over 300 schools have been built in the country. More than 10 modern
hospitals are under construction as well. Yesterday I attended
opening of the surgery of military hospital and I was deeply pleased
with such a medical institution in Azerbaijan. This means progress.
That means successful economic reforms, and growth of industrial
production.
All our oil programs are being successfully implemented. I said that
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline has been commissioned.
Baku-Tbilisi-Erzerum gas pipeline is scheduled to be put into
operation by the end of the year. It will bring additional revenues
to Azerbaijan and, at the same time, serve strengthening of our
position in the region.
Azerbaijan strengthens its position in the international arena. We
are members of some international organizations and began to play
more active role in them. International image, prestige of Azerbaijan
and respect for us are increasing and it is a reality. Today,
Azerbaijan, in the true sense of the word, is the country that has
the firmest positions in the region. Of course, there are various
factors stipulating this. Among them are economic potential and the
strength of the army. We know the history very well and learn the
experience of the successful countries. Strong army is the strong
state. Our aim is to build the strong army. We do this, we build it
and we must have the stronger army.
I want to point out that we have programs to solve the problems that
Azerbaijan faces. We have many efficient programs of actions. As you
know, the program on socio-economic development of regions is being
successfully implemented. 400 thousand new jobs have been created for
the past three years. Settlement of social problems of the
settlements surrounding Baku has begun with much money set aside for
this. Very large amount of funds are allocated to the road
infrastructure. Much work is being done in Baku, all the centers of
regions, villages including the repair of the trunk highways.
In one word, our country is developing. I have no doubt that we will
fulfill all the tasks that Azerbaijan faces. The successful results
as well as the work we have done give us every reason to say about
it. We have prepared concrete and precise programs for every sphere
and they are being implemented.
Resolution of the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is
the problem number one for Azerbaijan. Unfortunately, there is no
progress in this sphere. Indeed, the talks are going on; the talks
are being held within some framework. However, they are all not
effective because we cannot achieve any results. The position of
Azerbaijan has always been constructive. We have been committed to
the negotiations for over ten years and it demonstrates our
constructivism. Although, our lands are under occupation and over 1
million Azerbaijan became refugees and IDPs as a result of the policy
of ethnic cleansing that Armenia pursues against Azerbaijan,
nevertheless, we are trying to use all the available peace
opportunities. Therefore, Azerbaijan~Rs stance in the negotiations is
very constructive. Unfortunately, Armenia~Rs non-constructive stance
does not allow us to resolve this conflict.
We are committed to the international legal standards. This conflict
and all other international issues should be settled only within some
framework. This problem cannot be solved in accordance with anybody~Rs
desire, in particular, if this desire does not reflect the reality
and is beyond the framework of the international law. International
law applies to all countries. If international rules, norms of
behavior, decisions of international organizations are not observed
and the decisions do not result in taking measures, then, it will
break all international rules of behavior since the world is governed
in accordance with some rules. All countries are members of the
United Nations and UN is the world~Rs major organization. This
organization has adopted four resolutions on the Armenia-Azerbaijan
conflict, which openly state that armed occupation forces should
unconditionally leave the occupied territories. Unfortunately,
Armenia disregards this and does not comply with these resolutions.
Other international organizations expressed their attitude to this
matter by their decisions and documents. The Council of Europe has
adopted the resolution that recognizes Armenia as an aggressor.
However, this resolution remained ineffectual. GUAM has recently made
a statement concerning the frozen conflicts. It does not affect
Armenia. The summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization held in
Azerbaijan adopted the relevant resolution, which remains
unfulfilled. Quite important decisions on this matter were made at
the session of the Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers. However,
Armenia disregards the decisions of all international organizations.
In this case, we no longer count on international mechanisms of
settlement. If the decisions, resolutions of the international
organizations reflecting reality, justice and international legal
standards are not complied with, what we should do then?! We will
never put up with this situation, loss of our lands. We will never
allow Nagorno-Karabakh to be separated from Azerbaijan it is not the
subject of negotiations. Territorial integrity of Azerbaijan is
recognized all over the world. The United Nations recognized it. The
world considers Nagorno-Karabakh as an integral part of Azerbaijan
and it is really so from historical, political, legal and other
points of view.
Therefore, the subject of negotiations must be connected to restoring
of territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. It is necessary to ensure
security of all peoples residing in the region. No agreement beyond
this is impossible.
And I reiterate that we highly appraise the efforts of international
community, their decisions. We value activity of the OSCE Minsk
Group. Indeed, they try to reach agreement. But non-constructive
position of Armenia, ignorance of the international legal norms
impedes to achieve any agreement. In this case, Azerbaijan should
make corrections in it policy. How long shall we participate in
negotiations? How long shall we expect? Our patience is not endless!
Today Azerbaijan is quickly developing country. Armenia, neither from
the point of view of economy, nor military, cannot compete with us.
Our dominance is a reality. We are still in the beginning of our
development. Let they think over and over in Armenia, after a year,
or three and five, where Azerbaijan and Armenia will be. Armenia has
no chance to develop. They are on the sidelines of all the
international projects. They have little economic growth chances.
Half of the country~Rs population has moved. As provided, they have
difficulty in guarding the contact line. There is lack of living
forces. On the other hand, there is economically strengthening
Azerbaijan with strong army, and politically becoming the center of
region and out economic opportunities.
Recently I have recollected some figures. I reiterate, that according
to estimations of the international financial structures, in the
coming 20 years, only from oil projects Azerbaijan will receive 140
billion dollars. Nagorno Karabakh is our first number problem and I
see no problem for Azerbaijan except this one.
Perhaps, we should use these opportunities ands strengthen our army,
so that in any case it could return our occupied lands. I have no
doubt and hope that our policy will lead to this.
Simply, it is regretful that the time passes, and Armenia gets
nothing by delaying solution of the problem. The time does not work
for them, and on the contrary, it works in our favor.
We, in the country, should use every opportunity. Now we have very
good conditions economic growth, political stability, civil
solidarity, unity between power and people, cohesion, strengthening
of civil society, success of democratization process, strengthening
or our position in region, effective cooperation with the
international organizations and leader position in region. That is
out goal, and that is our present life. And the most important is
that we see the future clearly, what expects us in the coming years.
We know that Azerbaijan in short time should be among the most
developed countries. We have chance, political will, unity of nation,
its talent, and we shall reach this.
Azerbaijan will never reconcile with isolation of Karabakh, and it
will – by peaceful way and military – restore its territorial
integrity.
There is another matter. As you know, recently we have set up the
Ministry of Defense Industry. Of course, should we be not in war
conditions, we would not need this Ministry. And if the Nagorno
Karabakh conflict cannot find its solution, we decided to set up a
strong military industrial complex, and we make necessary steps in
this direction. I hope in short time Azerbaijan will have strong
military industry and this, in turn, have great contributions to
army.
Dear friends,
Dear servicemen,
I cordially congratulate you on the forthcoming Day of Armed Forces.
I congratulate the alumni. Having graduated form the higher school,
they will worthily serve in the national Army of Azerbaijan and
strengthen Azerbaijan~Rs defense ability. Thank you.