Interfax News Agency, Russia
Oct 24 2008

Azerbaijan will get its occupied lands back- President Aliyev

BAKU Oct 24

Nagorno-Karabakh will never be independent, Azerbaijan President Ilham
Aliyev said in his speech at the inauguration ceremony in Baku on
Friday.

"Karabakh will never be independent. Azerbaijan will never recognize
it. Neither in five, nor in ten or 20 years, never," Aliyev said.

Talks on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict are being held in the framework
of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, he said. "The steps that have
been taken until now led to our position getting stronger.

Today the world understands that conflicts in this region have to be
resolved. This can only happen in the framework of international law.

This can only happen in the framework of Azerbaijan’s territorial
integrity," Aliyev said.

"Azerbaijan will never agree to secession of its indigenous lands, by
strengthening our territorial integrity we will get our occupied lands
back. International law and historical justice are on Azerbaijan’s
side. As long as the lands are occupied, there can be no talk about
cooperation with Armenia," Aliyev said.

The potential of peace negotiations has not been exhausted, he
said. "So far we are keen to continue the talks, our hopes have not
yet faded away, we still believe that talks might lead to a fair
solution," Aliyev said.

"Our political and economic potential, our economic power,
international law and justice are on our side, strengthening our
positions," said the Azeri leader.

Over the past five years Azerbaijan’s army potential has been much
strengthened, he said.