Details added (the first version was posted at 10:12)
Azerbaijan, Baku, May 9 / Trend /
Azerbaijan`s President Ilham Aliyev has today attended a solemn ceremony to mark the 67th anniversary of the victory over fascism in the World War II.
The Azerbaijani people made a crucial contribution to historic victory over Nazis.
More than 600,000 Azerbaijanis fought during the World War II, with almost half of them dying. More than 130 Azerbaijanis were awarded with the Hero of the Soviet Union title, while over 170,000 Azerbaijani soldiers and officers received medals. The 77th, 223rd, 402nd and 416th all-Azerbaijani National Divisions of the Soviet Army fought during the Great Patriotic War from the Caucasus to the Berlin.
Baku also made a huge oil contribution to the Great Victory, with much of the Soviet fuel supplied by oil from the Azerbaijani capital.
During his leadership, Azerbaijan`s national leader Heydar Aliyev always showed great attention and care towards World War veterans. The national leader`s policy is now being continued by President Ilham Aliyev. On the eve of the Victory Day the Head of State signed an order giving lump sum allowances to war veterans and their families.
The President was warmly welcomed by war veterans and Baku residents in front of the monument to Major-General Hazi Aslanov, twice Hero of the Soviet Union.
A guard of honor was lined up here.
The President greeted the veterans and congratulated them on the Victory Day.
He enquired after their problems and needs.
The veterans said they would never forget national leader Heydar Aliyev`s attention and care. They also thanked President Ilham Aliyev, and said they would always support him.
Then, the Azerbaijani President laid a wreath at the monument to Hazi Aslanov.
The Head of State posed for photographs together with the veterans.
To the accompaniment of the military march, he inspected the guard of honor.
President Ilham Aliyev also met with family members of Hazi Aslanov, and congratulated them on the victory.
Among the participants of the ceremony were Prime Minister Artur Rasizade, Speaker of Milli Majlis Ogtay Asadov, and Chief of the Presidential Administration Ramiz Mehdiyev.