Ilham Aliyev: 2016 to Remain Year of Deep Reforms in History

«The conflict (Karabakh – ed.) will soon have to find a solution, and the status quo - to change." This statement was made by President Ilham Aliyev at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers dedicated to the results of the first half of 2016 on the socio-economic development, as well as the challenges ahead.

Aliyev stressed the importance of resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in accordance with the principles of international law and the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.

"The only solution is a phased settlement," said the President, noting that achieving this requires a lot of pressure of the OSCE co-chairing countries on Armenia.

The President recalled the April fighting, which became the result of an Armenian provocation and a counter-offensive of the Azerbaijani Army, which liberated 2,000 hectares from the occupation.

The Head of State also spoke about the impact of the global economic crisis on Azerbaijan, on the implementation of measures for the development of the non-oil sector, the production of export goods, and the opening of new jobs.

The President said that despite the decline in GDP for the first 6 months of this year, there was an increase in industry and agriculture, including the non-oil sector.

Over the past 6 months the national economy was invested 6.3 billion USD. For foreign investors, Azerbaijan continues to be an attractive country. In the first half of the year 78,000 permanent jobs were opened. Much has been done in the implementation of social measures. "2016 will be a year of deep reforms in the history of Azerbaijan," ​​the President said.

As in previous speeches at meetings of the Government, the President's speech did not include critical assessment of the crisis situation in the country and the problems hindering the reform process. -03D04-