BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 20. September 20 is marked as State Sovereignty Day in Azerbaijan, representing the nation's arduous and esteemed path to freedom independence.
The anti-terror measures implemented in Karabakh constitute a substantial advancement in reinstating Azerbaijan's sovereignty and safeguarding its territorial integrity.
The Victory in the 44-day Patriotic War facilitated Azerbaijan's path to national sovereignty.
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev proposed a peace agreement with Armenia to promote lasting peace in the region and mutual recognition of territorial integrity. Nevertheless, Armenia's leadership declined this significant chance, choosing provocation and military escalation instead.
Armenia's provocations in September heightened regional tensions. On September 2, 2023, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan congratulated the illegal regime in Karabakh on its so-called "independence day", and the situation worsened with the illegal "presidential election" on September 9.
In retaliation, Azerbaijan initiated stringent counter-terrorism measures on September 19.
During the operation, Azerbaijan's Armed Forces effectively blocked supply routes to Armenian forces, seized strategic positions, and targeted key strongholds of separatist groups. The Azerbaijani Army cleared a significant area in Karabakh and restored its sovereignty in the region, carrying out these measures in accordance with international law, without civilian casualties.
Even though the measures taken on September 19-20 were a step in the right direction for safeguarding Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, they were not backed by a handful of Western nations and international organizations. Countries like France and the United States spoke out against Azerbaijan and supported Armenia.
Azerbaijan remains resolute in its dedication to safeguarding its sovereignty, whatever the backlash.