Why do we continue to suffer losses 3 years after the war?

Baku/27.09.23/Turan: As Azerbaijan observes its "Day of Remembrance," the nation reflects on the enduring question: Why do we continue to suffer losses three years after the war that reshaped the Nagorno-Karabakh region? This occasion, which commemorates the heroes of the 44-day war in 2020, serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of territorial integrity.

During those intense days of conflict, Azerbaijan reclaimed seven districts of the former Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region, the Khojavend (formerly Hadrut) district, and the historic city of Shusha. The toll of this war was heavy, with 3,000 Azerbaijani soldiers losing their lives in the line of duty.

In recognition of their sacrifice, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev issued a decree designating September 27, the day hostilities commenced, as "Memorial Day." This designation stands as a testament to the nation's enduring respect for those who laid down their lives in the fight for the nation's territorial restoration.

On this year's Memorial Day, the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan released a sobering list of 192 servicemen who lost their lives in the battle on September 19-20. Of these brave individuals, 180 were members of the Ministry of Defense, 12 belonged to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and one was a civilian. This  announcement underscores the harsh reality that, even though the war has officially concluded, Azerbaijan continues to experience losses.

Political scientist Ahmed Alili addresses the pressing question of when these losses will cease in the "Difficult Question" program. Alili contends that until lasting peace is achieved, the nation will grapple with ongoing losses. He emphasizes that the mere signing of a ceasefire or a peace agreement does not automatically usher in peace. Instead, it marks the start of a complex process that requires significant time and resources to address the deep-seated issues between societies.

Alili stresses that achieving genuine peace necessitates the active involvement of civil society and the full spectrum of state institutions. He underscores that without this collective effort, signing agreements or reaching political understandings will fall short of bringing true and lasting peace.

Moreover, Alili points out that even in the absence of military casualties, the threat of activation by Armenian terrorist organizations remains a real concern. He highlights the presence of such groups in Armenia, including VOMA, a non-governmental organization formed in 2014 by professional servicemen and veterans with a mission to create a society capable of self-defense during times of conflict.

In conclusion, Alili urges Azerbaijani society to remain vigilant and prepared for potential scenarios, emphasizing that a signed peace agreement does not guarantee full-fledged peace. This sobering assessment serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in post-conflict reconciliation and the need for sustained efforts to secure a stable and enduring peace.--0-