"We will offer the Armenians of Karabakh our vision of cohabitation" - Ilham Aliyev

Baku/09/20.23/Turan: “As a result of the beginning and successful completion of anti-terrorist measures, Azerbaijan has restored its sovereignty,” President Ilham Aliyev said on September 20 in a televised address to the people in connection with the completion of a local counter-terrorism operation in the Karabakh region.

Aliyev emphasized that he gave instructions that “during the anti-terrorism measures, the Armenian population living in the Karabakh region should not suffer, the civilian population should be protected.”

 “We achieved this thanks to the professionalism of our military, and civilians felt safe. At the same time, instructions were given that civilian infrastructure should not be hit,” the head of state said.

The process of withdrawing illegal Armenian armed groups from their positions has already begun and they accepted our conditions and began to surrender their weapons,” Aliyev noted.

“I want to say again: the Armenian population of Karabakh are our citizens, they were hostages of nationalists and war criminals who held the Armenians of Karabakh as hostages,” Aliyev noted.

“I am confident that the Armenian population of Karabakh will soon see changes for the better. Our intention is to build a life together on the basis of peace, mutual understanding and mutual respect. We have no problems with the Armenian people, we have no enmity,” Ilham Aliyev said.

“We have never accused the Armenian people of crimes committed by war criminals. We did not blame the Armenian people for the Khojaly genocide, the destruction of our cities and villages, and the destruction of cemeteries. We blamed members of the criminal regime and its leaders for this. We hold them accountable and will continue to do so. Some have already received a well-deserved punishment, while others will receive it,” Aliyev continued.

“Today, a new historical chance is being created for ordinary Armenians living in Karabakh. Don't miss it. Azerbaijan is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious state. We have never had and never will have discrimination based on religion and nationality.

He also called Armenia’s behavior during the events of September 19-20 “encouraging” and confirmed Baku’s readiness to sign a peace agreement. This gives us reason to hope that we will be able to make peace with Armenia and peacefully coexist and cooperate.”

Referring to the upcoming meeting of representatives of the Armenians of Karabakh with representatives of the Azerbaijani authorities on September 21, Aliyev said that Baku will present its vision of normalizing relations and make proposals. This concerns socio-economic measures, issues of rights and security of residents of Karabakh.

We are ready to revive and restore all of Karabakh, including Agder, Khojavend, Askeran and Khankandi itself.

Cultural, religious, educational, the rights of Armenians and the right to local self-government, all this will be guaranteed and Armenians should not miss this chance,” concluded Ilham Aliyev. -0-