AZERBAIJANI PRESIDENT: THE WAR HAS NOT YET FINISHED, ONLY THE FIRST PERIOD ENDED

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Jan 17 2008

Armenian aggressors occupied our lands using foreign and other
factors. Sometimes they say that, Armenians won the war. But it is
not at all.

The war has not yet finished, only the first period ended," Azerbaijani
President Ilham Aliyev said during his speech in inauguration of
Olympic Sport Complex in Guzanli settlement, APA’s correspondent
accompanying President reports President stated that Armenians
occupied Azerbaijani lands by the help of foreign supporters. These
events occurred in 1990s when Azerbaijani economy was low.

"Today Azerbaijani economy is bigger than Armenian economy 5-6 times.

Mobilizing our all energy, we will establish strong state, economy
and army and ensure liberty of our lands. All these factors,
development of army formation influences to the negotiations process
positively. Armenia demanded to give independence to Nagorno Karabakh
one year ago, but now the situation changed. Armenians understand that,
Nagorno Karabakh will not be independent. This is not our position,
as well as position of international mediators. Armenians were obliged
to agree to this reality. If we spoke about releasing of 4 regions,
but now we are speaking about releasing of 7 regions.

International mediators- OSCE MG co-chairs demand it from Armenia.

Armenian leadership is obliged to admit it. This is very great
progress. Azerbaijan satisfies with progress achieved during
negotiations process.

I can not say that we are completely satisfied with the proposed
variant. We are dissatisfied with several issues, we can not agree
with some cases. Negotiations process is held in positive direction.

We have achieved it. Armenia already realizes that Azerbaijan
strengthens its positions in international world and is being turned
to indispensable country for energy security of Europe. It ensures
neighboring countries and Europe with energy resources. Azerbaijan is
already 3 years that occupies 1st place for economic growth. $2.5
billion allocated for army last year and this year shows our
strength. Armenia knows it. We want our compatriots to return to
their origin places soon. We already have capabilities for the
restoration of those regions. We want the signed peace agreement to
ensure Azerbaijan’s interests. Negotiations continue, we will not
renounce our position, Azerbaijan’s territory can not be the theme
of discussion. High managing status may be given to Armenians living
there and Azerbaijanis returning there in the framework of territorial
integrity of Azerbaijan," he said.

President stated that Armenia is a country which lives on foreign
donations, independence of this country is also of conventional
character.

"Karabakh is Azerbaijani land. Armenians have come to Nagorno Karabakh
as guests and then pretended to our lands. Present territory of
Armenia, Yerevan khanate is also west Azerbaijani land," he said.

Ilham Aliyev touching upon ongoing processes in international world
said that autonomy in European countries has various forms. All these
issues are solved in the framework of territorial integrity of the
countries.

"But to our regret, international manners are violated in some cases,
international principles are not observed, autonomies are recognized
one-sided," he said.