Ilham Aliyev: No one can forbid us from liberating our territories

Azerbaijan is ready to liberate its lands from invaders; this is the main challenge facing the country, said President Ilham Aliyev, speaking to the graduates of the Higher Military School on Monday. "Over the past few years, our military expenditures have increased more than 20 times. Currently, these costs total $3.6 billion. That’s 50% more than the total government expenditure in Armenia." Our lands are under occupation. This occupation continues, and it should be and will be brought to an end. In the intervening period, we were able to greatly enhance the military capabilities of our army. Large quantities of weapons, equipment and ammunition have been brought from abroad. We deliver war planes, helicopters, gun ships, artillery, and an air defense installation. Twenty factories and production units for military use have been established in Azerbaijan. At present, Azerbaijan produces 665 military items," he said.

     "I am absolutely sure that the stronger our army is, the greater will be our position in the negotiation process.  There is a direct connection between these two factors. From an economic point of view, Azerbaijan is 10 times stronger than Armenia. Our state budget is 10 times greater. Military spending is 10 times more.  There is a positive demographic situation in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is a country living at its own expense. We have large reserves of human resources. We have strong industry and a strong army. I am sure that with all these factors, we will achieve what we want; to restore justice and the sovereignty of Azerbaijan.

     Nagorno-Karabakh is an integral part of Azerbaijan, its historical part, and from a legal point of view, it is an integral part of Azerbaijan. The whole world recognizes Nagorno-Karabakh as an integral part of Azerbaijan. No one has recognized the forced independence of Nagorno-Karabakh.

     But, unfortunately, in today's world international laws are violated. We see this picture. These disorders are gradually becoming more widespread. In this case, of course, we can see that if you are not strong, then your rights are violated.

     Sometimes, such statements are made: "Why does Azerbaijan strengthen its military capability? This could be a threat in the region."  And there are some comments. But I am absolutely convinced that today Azerbaijan is a stabilizing factor in the region. Azerbaijan's strong army is the guardian of stability in the region. Our strong army is our sovereign right. Nobody can give us any advice.

     Our strength is the primary means of equitable settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenia will not be able to resist Azerbaijan.

     Azerbaijan will restore its territorial integrity, and the  flag of Azerbaijan will be hoisted in Shusha, Khankendi, and Nagorno-Karabakh, he said. -0-