Restoration of October 18 – Independence Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Daşqın Şikarov / Former Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Pakistan

Dear and respected friends, I sincerely congratulate you on the occasion of the restoration of October 18 – Independence Day. On the occasion of this beautiful and significant day, I wish long life, strong health, happy and prosperous life to every Azerbaijani citizen who loves his state, homeland, and people.

On October 18, 1991, the Parliament of the Republic of Azerbaijan “Constitutional Act on State Independence of Azerbaijan” was adopted. With this important historical document, our people, who have strengthened the square movement, saw the January 20 massacre, sacrificed hundreds of martyrs and sacrifices in their independence struggle, and have regained the independence they have been longing for many years. With this, a new era was started in the history of Azerbaijan.

The Republic of Azerbaijan, which declared its independence, began to operate under very complex historical conditions. In the first years of our independence, our disgusting neighbor Armenia’s treacherous expulsion of our compatriots from their ancestral lands, with the support of their patrons, committed the Khojaly genocide, Shusha, Lachin and others The occupation of our territories, as well as the seizure of power by some inside forces as a result of the 1992 coup d’état, seriously threatened our independence. The return of national leader Heydar Aliyev, who has great political experience in such a difficult period, to power at the insistent request of the people, put an end to this danger once and for all.

Implementation of foreign and domestic policy, energy projects, and implementation of radical reforms in all spheres of the economy carried out by general leader Heydar Aliyev gave its fruit for the sake of the future of our country. During these years, Azerbaijan developed its state independence with confidence, and stability was fully restored in our country.

Today, the far-sighted policy implemented by Mr. Ilham Aliyev, a worthy follower of the Great Leader, successfully ensures the stable and consistent development of our country. During 19 years of Mr. Ilham Aliyev’s Presidency, Azerbaijan has become one of the most powerful countries in the world politically, economically and militarily. Our country has reached a leader in the region due to the economic growth pace.

The Contract of the Century, TANAP and other important energy projects play an important role in the more prosperous life of our people, and also serve to increase Azerbaijan’s importance and reputation in the international arena. Under the initiative, leadership and organization of the First Vice President, UNESCO and ISESCO Mehriban Aliyeva, Honorable Ambassador of UNESCO and ISESCO, Mehriban Alieva, humanitarian, culture, charity, education, sports, music and other spheres have been established within and abroad. The international events undergone have given a great boost to increase of Azerbaijan’s reputation in the world.

As a result of the care given to the development of the non-oil sector, significant growth is observed in agriculture, information technologies, tourism, infrastructure development and other spheres. Social policy is always considered a priority area of our state, large funds are invested in the creation of social infrastructure, and the problems of our compatriots – IDPs who are in the worst situation are successfully solved.

The Armenian state, ignoring talks with the participation of international mediators towards a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, committed large-scale provocation on September 27, 2020 at 06:00 am The positions and settlements of the Azerbaijani Army located in the yu zone were intensively fired by large-scale weapons, mortars, rockets and various artillery devices.

On October 11 and 17, the Armenian armed forces further deteriorated and fired banned SCUD / Elbrus Operational-Tactical Ballistic missiles at Ganja city, killing 20 civilians and injuring more than 60 civilians.

In order to prevent enemy provocation and ensure the safety of the civilian population, the Azerbaijani Army counterattacked the entire front, destroying thousands of enemy military equipment and live forces during 44 days, including Shusha city our occupied regions, settlements and villages, especially significant heights our victorious army led by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief The word DQMV, which was released from occupation, is buried in the archives of history.

As can be seen from recent counterattack operations, the Azerbaijani Army, which is getting stronger day by day and is among the leading armies of the world, has become stronger and entered the list of the most powerful armies in the world.

Dear friends, I congratulate each of you once again on the occasion of the restoration of the October 18 Independence Day and wish the independence of our native Azerbaijan, which flourishes and develops day by day, to be eternal.

Thanks to the Almighty God that under the leadership of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief our lands were liberated from occupation, and our tricolor flag is waving today in Shusha, Lachin, Agdam, Fuzuli, Jabrayil, and Kalbajar. Glory to the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, Glory to our victorious army, Glory to the Azerbaijani people. Mr. President, may the Almighty God protect our state, our people, and our generous army inshallah. Karabakh is Azerbaijan!