Azerbaijan, Baku, Oct. 25 / Trend /
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev spoke about Azerbaijan's most painful problem, the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh at the a Cabinet of Ministers meeting dedicated to the results of socioeconomic development in nine months of 2011.
Aliyev states that a palpable solution of the issue remains elusive.
"Azerbaijan has a principled position, which is based on historical truth, and norms of the international law. We will not take even a step back from this position. Azerbaijan's territorial integrity was not and never will be the subject of negotiations. We, using all opportunities, will strive to restore our territorial integrity. I repeat, although there are no results, international mediators' recent statements and opinions, particularly about the unacceptability of the status quo, give some hope. That is the status quo is unacceptable, it should be changed, the Nagorno-Karabakh is not "frozen "conflict and change of the status quo, of course, requires the withdrawal of the Armenian occupying forces from the occupied lands," Ilham Aliyev said.
Aliyev underscored that ways to solve the conflict pass just through this.
"The occupying forces must be withdrawn from the occupied lands. The international law should be the basis for resolution of any issue, especially issues related to the conflict. We will strive to make use of every opportunity, so that to resolve this issue in our favor in a short period of time in a just way based on international law. Furthermore, all these figures that I have cited today - economic development, economic potential, demographics, and, of course, the military potential, play and will play a role in early fair resolution of the question," Ilham Aliyev said.
President Aliyev believes the economic indicators of 2011 and previous years, and the military capabilities of Azerbaijan indicate that the gap between Armenia and Azerbaijan is increasing.
"These two countries cannot be compared, the difference between us are as between heaven and earth. All are aware of that - the international community, the parties and organizations directly involved in the matter. More likely, this reality lies on the core of recent statements about the status quo, i.e. changing the status quo. We and each impartial observer know that Azerbaijan is getting stronger and Armenia weakens, Azerbaijan's population increases and Armenian's decreases," he said.
Speaking about the military issues, Aliyev said the economic statistics clearly show who is who.
"With only one open-minded look at the cities, one can see the reality: what a great way Azerbaijan has passed and how our country is strengthening day by day. As for the military balance, I can say that until recently - perhaps due to the Armenian propaganda - a difference in this area, that is the difference in our favor, was not enough realized by international agencies and observers. However, the recent parades in both Azerbaijan and Armenia have demonstrated 'who is who'. I believe holding the military parade in Armenia was their big mistake. Because, if earlier they as always tried by the myths or fantasies to convince someone that the Armenian army - is the most fighting army, then following the so-called "military parade" all understood in which condition, in which deplorable situation the Armenian army is. I, probably you and the entire public, for the first time saw that the military equipment could not move itself. They were demonstrated at the parade, leading in the trailers and trucks. It may have several reasons. This technique is either in poor condition and does not work, or there is no fuel, or all of these. Most likely, both factors played a role in this. This parade showed once again that Armenia is not an independent state, but an outpost. Although previously high-ranking officials declared about this, now the parade once again confirmed that Armenia is the outpost," Aliyev highlighted.
Moreover, the President said, this event carried out in Armenia will probably go down in the history as a novelty.
"The participation of religious figures in the event is surprising to say the least. In addition, the priests goose-stepping like the soldiers. It is difficult to describe this. We understand that Armenia faced with a demographic catastrophe due to the aggressive policy. But we had no idea that religious leaders already called to active duty.
It is equally ridiculous and tragic. I believe they should quickly recognize that resolution of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh will serve their interests," Aliyev underscored.