Ilham Aliyev Regards Opposition as �Fifth Column� of West

Baku / 15.11.17 / Turan:

"Today, the New Azerbaijan Party (NAP) is a very large and strong party on a global scale." President Ilham Aliyev said this in his speech on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the ruling party.

Calling the establishment of the New Azerbaijan Party by the former President Heydar Aliyev in Nakhchivan 25 years ago a historic event, Ilham Aliyev made a historical excursion into that period. The fact that Heydar Aliyev announced the state flag of Azerbaijan People"s Republic (APR) in Nakhchivan further strengthened people"s love for themselves. Along with this, the President noted that the then-in-power PFPA-Musavat were losing the people"s trust.

The antinational policy of PFPA-Musavat ...

"Their anti-national policies generated great anger among the people. As a result of inability, lack of professionalism, the country, we can say, came to an uncontrollable state. The country was beset by chaos and anarchy, and illegal armed formations were walking the streets with weapons, torturing people. In those years, the country was plagued by mass bribery. The occupation of our lands, the economic, industrial and military crisis, one might say, created a great threat to the future independence of the country," the President added. In the summer of 1993, the PFPA-Musavat Power shed brotherly blood in Azerbaijan.

In his opinion, at that time the people of Azerbaijan displayed wisdom by inviting Heydar Aliyev to power. It was in those years that the foundations of the statehood of Azerbaijan were laid. The President said that in 1993-2000, Azerbaijan with honor came out of all the hard trials, laying the foundation for the current accelerated development. Ilham Aliyev stressed that Azerbaijan is now going democratically.

"All freedoms - freedom of speech, press, conscience and assembly are fully guaranteed in Azerbaijan. However, certain groups that call themselves the opposition, trying to use freedom of assembly, believe that some artificial obstacles are being applied against them. In fact, everything is not so. The reasons for these unsuccessful rallies should be sought in themselves. The people have long said no to these unfortunate elements. They have no place in the political arena of Azerbaijan. Not because we are in their way, but because their song has been sung for a long time," the head of state said, noting that those who call themselves opposition are controlled from abroad.

The Fifth Column...

"They are given commands from abroad, as a result of which they are activated in a certain period. After that, when they see that less than a thousand people come to rallies, they step aside, as if dipped into water. This once again shows that the Azerbaijani people will never allow the fifth column controlled from abroad to take any position," Ilham Aliyev said, having stopped on the foreign policy of Azerbaijan.

"In the coming years, we will pursue an independent foreign policy, which we are conducting now. It is not easy for independent countries to conduct an independent foreign policy, but also honorable. Some countries choose a different path, and others prefer to be under the wing of large states. Maybe it"s more convenient. However, our way is more honorable and worthy - this is the path of independence."

"No One Will Be Able to Forcibly Keep Us in Any Organization"

Ilham Aliyev stressed that he will continue to actively participate in international organizations. Calling the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation a priority for Azerbaijan, the President touched upon relations with authoritative international structures.

"We have been active members of the Council of Europe for more than 15 years. A lot of events were held with this organization. However, recently, as a result of the activity of the Council of Europe Secretary General, an artificial crisis has arisen between Azerbaijan and this structure, which was not initiated by us. We are simply taking adequate steps against the unfair and unjust policies that are being carried out against us. We never leave attacks on us unanswered. I believe that our adequate answers are measures taken in a timely and appropriate manner."

The President expressed hope that problems with the Council of Europe will find their solution.

"We want this and hope. If this crisis deepens, then, of course, Azerbaijan will be completely free in its choice. In all organizations to which we are members, we entered voluntarily. Also, we can voluntarily leave them. No one can forcibly keep us in any organization," Aliyev said.

"For Many Countries, Our Financial Situation Is Not Available"

The President touched upon the economic situation of Azerbaijan. He spoke about reducing Azerbaijan's dependence on oil, and also on the fact that the oil sector will continue to be the leading force of the country's economy for many years to come.

"Our foreign exchange reserves are increasing; they must grow in the years to come. Over 9 months of this year, foreign exchange reserves increased by 4.5 billion dollars. This achievement shows that our financial position is stable. For many countries, our financial situation is not available. Suffice it to say that our external debt is at 20 percent and foreign exchange reserves are equal to GDP."

Ilham Aliyev said about Azerbaijan's unchanged position in the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

"The norms of international law must be fully applied, all resolutions of the UN Security Council must be fully implemented, the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan must be restored. This position is of principle," the President said.