All layers of society are involved into the Karabakh issue

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- What did the military actions that began after September 27 in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan show the world and us; what is the reaction of society to these events?

- First, it showed that the Azerbaijani society has not reconciled and will never reconcile with the occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh. It was wrong to present this problem to the international community as a frozen conflict. No one else has such an illusion. Although 27 years have passed since the occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh and seven regions, the Azerbaijani people expressed their disagreement with the loss of their lands and an unjust peace.

Both major powers with interests in the region, and international peacekeeping organizations, and the opposing sides are forced to accept this reality. Society was instantly mobilized against the national threat. Tens of thousands of young volunteers have joined the army. Residents whose houses have been destroyed along the line of contact, relatives of wounded and dead citizens go to all the sacrifices to keep the hostilities going. Open and decisive support is provided from all sides of the army, and do their best based on their capabilities.

- It seems that both the opposition and the pro-government forces, the whole society support the army and the Supreme Commander-in-Chief in all these processes. The president's authority among citizens has grown significantly. Do you think the authorities themselves and the president are aware of this? Will the authorities be able to take advantage of this prestige they have earned?

-All active forces of the country, as well as the most serious opposition parties, demonstrate open support to the state and the army. Those who, prior to September 27, very harshly criticized Ilham Aliyev as president, now support him as commander-in-chief and help him become stronger. The society welcomes the tough rhetoric of the supreme commander about the enemy, fair and well-grounded statements about the purpose of military operations, and this increasing significantly his prestige.

The latest speeches and actions of the President show that he is aware of all this. Domestic political competition is no longer in the forefront. Critical statements against the opposition are no longer heard. The persecution of the opposition has actually been suspended. An atmosphere of consensus, solidarity, peace and real dialogue has truly reigned in society. Although the President has a chance to seize this excellent opportunity, further developments will show whether he has such an intention or not. Assessing this favorable situation, Ilham Aliyev can bring very serious and long-term political dividends to the state, people and himself.

-But there is another side to the issue. Could this reputation be lost if hostilities cease? Where can people's emotions be directed if hostilities stop?

- Of course, the current prestige and high rating are associated with military operations. The fact that Armenia has been occupying Azerbaijani lands for 27 years, declaring that it would not make any concessions and taking steps to justify its aggressive policy, actually stopped the negotiation process. Especially recently, inappropriate statements and primitive behavior of the Armenian political circles have given rise to a harsh reaction in Azerbaijani society.

The head of state receives unequivocal support for acting in accordance with the will of society. On the other hand, it must be recognized that hostilities cannot be carried on indefinitely and eventually they will be stopped. The end of every war is discussed at the negotiating table. Now we are in a better position. If the opposite side accepts our fair conditions based on international law, then the beginning of the negotiation process will not cause public discontent. Society will continue to support unequivocally the president at this stage. The main desire of the Azerbaijani people and active public is the complete restoration of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.

There is no room for controversy on this issue. Our territories must be completely liberated from occupation. Society cannot support the resumption of unsuccessful negotiations that have been going on for 27 years. If we can safely return to Shusha, Khojaly, Malibeyli, Garadaghly and other settlements and live without war, then this process will be supported by society. If the negotiations will serve to create conditions for the re-strengthening of Armenian terrorists in our territories, then an adequate response to this is inevitable.

- In your opinion, what steps should the authorities and society take now so that the situation develops in the right direction?

-Currently, the authorities and society are united in the Karabakh issue. The Azerbaijani society is going through the strongest period of its unity. There is no disagreement here. At the same time, the authorities should try to maintain and maintain this situation. Today people are ready to join the army.

Thousands of active people voluntarily donate blood to wounded servicemen and civilians, help people temporarily leaving the zone of fire, provide material support to the army, and voluntarily join the state's information and propaganda policy. The society fulfills its duty at a high level. The authorities should also not take any steps that could harm the system of internal relations of society. She must demonstrate the toughest attitude to discrimination, violations of the law, and arbitrariness of authorized persons.

-How will Azerbaijan protect itself from external pressure?

Azerbaijan acts only within the framework of international law in the resolution the Karabakh conflict. Military operations are being conducted on the territory of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is not an aggressor; it is fighting to ensure its territorial integrity. The target of the Azerbaijani army is firing positions, military facilities and military infrastructure in the occupied territories. She tries her best not to harm the civilian population who settled in these territories.

The Azerbaijani army has repeatedly called on civilians to stay away from the affected areas of hostilities and created appropriate conditions for the evacuation of civilians. The civilian population is treated in accordance with the requirements of the Geneva Convention. The opposing side and the international community cannot present a single negative fact that would prove the opposite. None of the slanderous and false information of Armenia is confirmed by the facts. Any pressure on Azerbaijan will further rally society around the supreme commander in chief and strengthen his political positions. The fact is that Armenian servicemen are dying on the territory of Azerbaijan. The pressure on the Azerbaijani side from the international forces, which did not take any steps to end the Armenian occupation, cannot be frightening and effective. The Azerbaijani state has enough resources to ward off