Azerbaijan, Baku, May 30 / Trend S. Aliyev /
Soonest resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will be, on one hand, a sign of respect for the norms of international law, on the other hand, restoration of historical justice, as Nagorno-Karabakh is the native land of Azerbaijan primordially, all toponyms are Azerbaijani ones, all the monuments are the monuments of Azerbaijani people, and are the result of talent and labor of the Azerbaijani people, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said.
The president made this statement at the opening of the 2nd World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, which is underway in Baku under the slogan "Living Together Peacefully in a Diverse World".
The Head of State stressed that the soonest resolution of the conflict will bring peace to the region, and in this case, the regional processes will always develop in a positive direction.
"Azerbaijan must restore its territorial integrity. The territorial integrity of Azerbaijan is recognized throughout the world, by international organizations, and the resolution of the conflict is possible only based on the principles of territorial integrity," Ilham Aliyev said.
He said the development of multiculturalism is important for every nation, every state, and in particular for Azerbaijan that suffered from ethnic cleansing.
As President Aliyev said, the occupation of Azerbaijani territories lasts for more than 20 years.
"Ethnic cleansing policy has been pursued against our people. Azerbaijani population was expelled from Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding areas, all of Azerbaijani religious monuments were destroyed, all historical wealth was looted. And obvious proof of this is the reports of the two OSCE missions. These reports clearly indicate that Armenian armed forces destroyed all the monuments, all the infrastructure and buildings in the occupied territories.
This injustice continues. Unfortunately, the conflict does not find its solution, and norms of international law do not work in regard to this conflict. The UN Security Council adopted four resolutions in connection with the conflict. They have direct messages regarding withdrawal of Armenian forces from the occupied territories. This occupation must end unconditionally. However, Armenia does not comply with these resolutions, and the occupation continues, injustice continues and norms of international law are grossly violated," he underscored.
President Aliyev said that Azerbaijan's swift development continues.
"Despite occupation of 20 percent of Azerbaijani territory, a million of citizens being internally displaced, Azerbaijan develops. Our successful development makes itself felt in all directions.
During the period since the last Forum, the international community has given Azerbaijan a great deal of trust. In October 2011, Azerbaijan with the support of 155 countries, was elected a member of the UN Security Council. This is a great historical event for our people, our independent state. Tendencies of successful development in the economic sphere have further intensified. One can say that major economic and social problems are being successfully addressed in Azerbaijan. Even during the global crisis Azerbaijan's economy has grown. Today, the process of diversification of the economy is successfully underway, and this is the main condition for sustainable development. International rating agencies upgrade credit ratings in Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijani economy is among the 50 most competitive economies of the world," President Aliyev said.
He said naturally the factors driving Azerbaijan forward are stable financial state, stable political situation, regional initiatives, the natural resources of the country, and most importantly, human capital.
"A few years ago, we have stated that human capital stands above everything. Strong social policy is underway in the country. At the same time, great work in the field of culture is ongoing to preserve our historical heritage. I am sure guests will get acquainted with the historical monuments of Baku. And those who came to our city for the first time, will return home with good impressions," the Head of State said.