BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 12. We will rebuild both Karabakh and Zangazur as an exemplary region, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said during a meeting dedicated to the results of the first quarter of 2022, Trend reports.
"There are different views on sustainability in the future. There may be food shortages in the world, food prices are rising. We will talk about that as well today. I must also say that we have made all these achievements through our own efforts. We have not received a single manat in support from anyone. We are restoring the liberated lands on our own. Yes, we have invited foreign companies. They are working there as contractors. But so far we have not received a single manat from anyone. We rely solely on our own strength and our own talent. I want to emphasize this in particular. Because usually after such bloody wars and such devastation – the devastation in Karabakh and Zangazur is unique for the world, there was no such devastation even in World War II – donor conferences are held, international organizations get together and implement a restoration plan. Suffice it to look at the history of World War II. At that time, the Marshall Plan was implemented. If America hadn’t implemented the plan to rebuild Europe, it would have probably taken Europe 50 years to restore its potential on its own. International funding has been provided for other conflicts. But no-one is helping us, neither during nor after the occupation. In fact, most countries did not even want to call the occupation an occupation. I remember our activities in international organizations and bilateral talks during the occupation. It took us tremendous effort to incorporate the principle of territorial integrity of our country in those declarations. Many were refusing. However, it was as clear as day who is the occupier and who is the occupied country. This is double standards, this is injustice. We are still seeing that today, in the Russian-Ukrainian war. In the past, when we were liberating our lands from occupation using the famous “Bayraktar” drones, foreign experts and the media were describing it as a deadly weapon. In the Russian-Ukrainian war it is called an angel. This is the difference, this is double standards, this is injustice towards us. This is a reality. And we have created and are creating a new reality on our own. Therefore, I want to say again that I still hope that international organizations, large foundations, international non-governmental organizations engaged in charity will heed attention. Aghdam is the Hiroshima of the Caucasus. It's not me saying this. It is international experts. All cities like Aghdam have been razed to the ground by Armenians. We have not received a single manat from anyone. But this injustice cannot be tolerated. I think that our institutions, the government, the Presidential Administration, the ministries should all take serious action on this issue. If they do not want to help, let them say that we will not help you. We will then know what it is. It has been about a year and a half since the war ended. Not a single foundation has helped us. More than 200 people have been killed or seriously injured since the war ended. There are so many foundations and NGOs in the world that deal with this issue. What are they doing? Let them come and help us. We don’t have sufficient physical resources. We have purchased what we needed. We have purchased machinery, equipment and even drones capable of detecting land contaminated with mines. But we do not have enough specialists. We do not have enough manpower. Therefore, let them at least help us in this area. I repeat that we will restore everything on our own anyway. I said that we will rebuild both Karabakh and Zangazur as an exemplary region. Azerbaijani citizens will live there comfortably and prosperously. It will be an example for the whole world. But my appeal is to international organizations. Those involved in human rights, those championing the principles of justice should pay at least some attention to Azerbaijan and avoid double standards. In short, this shows everything, so to speak. I am confident that the economic achievements of the first three months of this year will be continued until the end of the year. Because we see that there are opportunities to achieve this. Thus, we will successfully complete this year as well," the head of state said.