Speech by Ilham Aliyev at the first session of fourth convention of the National Assembly of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Dear ladies and gentlemen,

Dear members of Parliament,

I greet you all wholeheartedly. Today, the fourth convocation of the Milli Majlis starts its work. I congratulate you all on this occasion and wish productive activities to all the members.

The parliamentary elections are another important step made towards democratic development of Azerbaijan. As you know, the elections were held in a very free, fair and transparent manner in the competitive environment. Equal possibilities were created for all candidates and the election outcomes reflect fully the will of Azerbaijani people. I am confident that the Milli Majlis in its new composition will bring its valuable contribution to the future development of our country and laws adopted by the Milli Majlis will create excellent conditions for the democratic development of our country. Democratic processes in our country are evolving in the positive direction. The development of democracy is ensured in Azerbaijan. Important work was done in Azerbaijan to build a state governed by law. Democracy is our conscious made choice. Azerbaijan develops successfully as a modern democratic country. All freedoms are ensured in the country. Freedoms of speech, faith, assembly as well as political pluralism are ensured here. Very important steps were taken to form a political system in the country. Political struggle in Azerbaijan is regulated by civil rules. I am confident that the Milli Majlis in its new composition will foster further these excellent traditions.

There are all possibilities and political will to continue political reforms in Azerbaijan. We are treating positively progressive trends and see Azerbaijan as a modern and strong state. The development of Azerbaijan will be possible while conducting economic and political reforms in parallel. We wish to see our country be in the ranks of the developed countries of the world. Of course, therefore, the entire work should be carried out in line with contemporary requirements in the country.

During last years, the economic reforms were also carried out in our country. Azerbaijani economy is already the diversified economy. The economic and financial crisis in the year of 2009 has confirmed it once again. In spite of the crisis, successful development of Azerbaijan has continued. All social issues have found its resolution. Our foreign currency reserves increased further, and the Azerbaijani economy proved its sustainability. We should try not to limit ourselves by successes achieved. There is a lot of work that lies ahead. We try to speed up the industrialization process in economic field and diversify the economy. A big importance is attached to the development of non oil sector of economy and we see its excellent results. It suffice to look at the statistical data of last 7 years, everyone can perceive clearly the successful economic development of Azerbaijan.

During last 7 years, salaries and pensions have increased in Azerbaijan by 5-6 times in average. Poverty has dropped by 4 times, up to 900 new jobs were created. Budget expenditures have increased by 12 times, defense expenditures have increased almost 12 times and foreign currency reserves – by 18 times. All social programs are implemented successfully. All necessary measures are being undertaken for successful economic development of Azerbaijan. These statistical data are the clear prove of the work done so far. But, I would like to say once again successes achieved and particularly, our successful exit from economic and financial crisis should not make us to rest. We should not limit ourselves by successes gained already. We should look ahead. What will be the ways of development of Azerbaijan after five or ten years?! We should create such a strong economy which will be able to ensure long term development of our country. We concentrate on these issues.

Azerbaijan has proved already itself as a modern, secular and strong state in the region. Processes going on in the region and initiatives put forward by us yield already concrete results. We treat very attentively the issues of regional co-operation and this will remain as a priority issue for us in the years to come because we live in this region, and of course, broadening of our influence opportunities onto the processes going on in the region are in full compliance with our national interests.

In a word, the successful development of Azerbaijan is already a reality and I would like to say once again that we should concentrate our attention to the work that will be carried out in next years. All positive trends in the economic field should be strengthened in next years, and there is no doubt that the implementation of regional development program will be ensured. The regional development program for the years of 2004-2008 is implemented in excess. This gives us grounds to say that the program covering the years of 2009-2013 will be implemented also in excess. I am confident that the activation observed in the region will be reflected in brighter way and thus we will achieve the dynamics of successful economic development of our country.

We will remain committed to our foreign policy. Our foreign policy is seen by international community as a successful policy already. The number of countries which have bilateral friendly relations with us is increasing further. In a word, the number of our friends is increasing. Our diplomacy is very flexible, active and based upon mutual interests, reciprocal respect and principles of non interference into the domestic affairs. Our bilateral ties are broadening. The number of our embassies in foreign countries has increased by several times. This allows us to make our country be better known across the world and achieve and ensure our own interests.

Our relations with neighbors are the priority in the foreign policy. This is obvious because there are excellent and beneficial ties with our neighbors. This relationship has a rich history. We live in this region and will do so. I am very pleased that besides historical relations, today we do not have any problem with neighboring countries in political field. All problems have found its resolution and in my opinion, our relations with neighboring countries are at high level. As part of our future activities, our steps in this direction will indeed serve to the goal of strengthening further our relations with neighboring states both in bilateral and multilateral formats.

I expressed already my views on regional co-operation issues. Initiatives put forward by us in the past on energy and transport corridors are among factors which will foster the regional co-operation. These corridors are already a reality. We have created these realities. We will continue this work with our partners by our joint efforts at regional level. Azerbaijan will continue to pay its efforts to deepen and ensure peace, security and co-operation in the region.

Our ties with all other countries are based upon the mutual respect and reciprocal interests. We are interested in deepening these relations. We will foster our activities within international organizations. In spite of these activities are quite influential for the time being. The obligations undertaken in front of organizations joined by us are being fulfilled. We became the members of these organizations on voluntary basis. In such case, these obligations should be fulfilled. However, we should strive for the application of common criteria system in all international organizations which we are members to. All countries should be treated equally. There should not by any discrimination. In this regard, our efforts yield its results in the organizations joined by us. There are such organizations not adhered by us, but we co-operate with those organizations in effective way. Our efforts should be fostered also in this direction. As a reliable and close partner, Azerbaijan contributes to the organizations, raises its voice and will do so in all organizations. Tasks that stand in front of us in social sphere is to better the life of population, increase social protection of vulnerable strata and eliminate the poverty in Azerbaijan in general. If such views did not seem credible some years ago, today, the work done in this field as well as achievements gained gives grounds to say that we will fulfill this task. People should not be poor in Azerbaijan. This should not be a social evil for us. In order to hit this target, we have concrete programs and well thought policy. During last 7 years the poverty level decreased by 4 times, and it is the reflection of results of the work done.

During next years, we should complete these tasks by using financial resources, implementing specific social programs and created jobs. The program of concrete social assistance covers hundred thousands of citizens. This defines and demonstrates various directions of state policy of Azerbaijan. We live in the conditions of market economy. 85 percent of our economy is formed in market economy and private sector. But, in spite of this fact, we have a strong social policy. There is no any lagging in social policy. No steps will be made backwards. Why I do say it so? The crisis engulfing the world last and current years has resulted by unpleasant developments in some countries. Some countries had gone for social cuts and decreased wages and pensions in order to sort out of the crisis. As a part of world economy, Azerbaijan suffered also from the crisis. But, we tried hard to protect our citizens from the negative impact of the crisis. Azerbaijan is one of rare countries in post-Soviet territory whose national currency rate remained stable in crisis time. We have prevented any change to happen. All social allowances are ensured timely in Azerbaijan. In spite of the crisis, the basic part of minimal wages and pensions has increased this year while the level of pensions and salaries dropped in most European countries.

It means that a lot of work should be done in this field during next years. Of course, we are very proud to note that the Azerbaijani economy increased almost three times in last 7 years. This is a truly unprecedented event at global level. However, we should recognize also the fact that Azerbaijan still has needs to be met. There are low income families and those who living in hard conditions. Their problems are our problems. We will solve it. This problem can be solved only by creating a strong economy.

We have never given populist promises. We have never joined to unreal initiatives. We have never tried to take loans to solve social issues. We live on our own resources. Our budget and all economic and political policy are relying upon internal resources. In general, our country builds its activities at the expense of internal resources. I think that our successes are explained indeed by this factor because we rely upon only and only the work and talent of Azerbaijani people. As it goes with each country, international relations have also a big importance for us. We try to broaden our ties. In particular, our co-operation with international financial institutions is very successful and increasing. However, we know well that we should live only and only on our internal resources. We will continue to pursue this policy.

It should be taken into account that today, very positive trends are observed in non oil sector of the economy. I did not mention the oil sector yet. This sector brought big successes and financial resources to Azerbaijan. We use those resources in a very efficient manner. It means that a bigger attention will be paid to the resolution of social issues. We have to create all conditions for every single citizen to work and live normally.

I have expressed main directions and my main views related to economic, social and foreign policies in next years. In general, I am very optimistic about the future of Azerbaijan because there are basis to be so. Azerbaijan has a specific place in post-Soviet territory and on world map in general. We are independent country. We are truly independent. Azerbaijan is managed by the will of people and this should be so. We have to try ensuring our interests to the maximum extent. We dispose all possibilities for this purpose.

The main problem faced by the country is the Armenian-Azerbaijani, Nagorno Karabakh conflict. We pay big efforts in this direction to find the soon fair resolution of this issue in line with international law norms. As you know, there are long years since negotiations are underway. There are eighteen years that the Minsk Group runs its activities. But, there is no any result. The result will be visible when the lands of Azerbaijan will be liberated from occupants. This will be a result. The active phase of talks or its development in positive way cannot be deemed as a result. We want to see a result. We wish to see the resolution of this issue on the basis of international law norms as well as the implementation of four resolutions of the Security Council of UN. We want to see the implementation of decisions and resolutions of other international organizations such as OSCE, European Parliament and the Council of Europe. These decisions and resolutions are adopted with a view to its subsequent implementation. If there is no mechanism of its enforcement and Armenia ignores these international law norms and international community does not undertake any measure against it, then the issue can become more complicated.

We understand that today Armenia tries to delay artificially this issue and show itself as a constructive side in negotiations. However the reality is explained by the fact that Armenia backtracks from previously agreed items in decisive cases or moments and initiates again unreal proposals which are impossible to be accepted. Thus, this country wishes to delay the negotiation process to the infinite end. We never agree on that. We conduct talks to liberate our lands. We conduct talks to restore the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan recognized by international community. We hope that institutions, sides and finally mediators dealing with this issue will demonstrate their principal position. Time has come long ago. If this will not happen, then the meaning of talks will be lost completely. Talks are held for the sake of a result and not for imitation. Therefore, I would like to say once again that the priority in our position constitutes international law norms, resolutions of international organizations, right cause of Azerbaijan and fair attitude. We know also that international community is regulated not by laws in some case, but the political interests. However, the political interests should encourage sides dealing with this issue to find the soonest resolution of the conflict because the Armenian-Azerbaijani, Nagorno Karabakh conflict is a big danger in the region. This is a real threat. This conflict is not the frozen conflict.

We understand that big powers wish to have stability and peace in this region and avoid war. We want the same. Nobody would want the violation of stability or staging a war. However, it does not mean that this issue should remain in its so-called frozen condition. This is not possible. Today, processes going on in the region, power balance and of course, successful development of Azerbaijan in recent years will not allow this status quo to be maintained during long period of time. We will never agree on that. The status quo should be changed. Azerbaijani lands should be liberated. Our citizens should return to their native lands. As far as self-determination of peoples is concerned, this issue can be solved successfully in the framework of the territorial integrity of countries. Indeed, Helsinki Final Act reflects also this approach. The positive experience on current autonomies existing in the world should be applied also in Azerbaijan.

I would like to reiterate that Azerbaijan will not retreat a single step from this principal position. The territorial integrity of Azerbaijan has never been the subject of talks and will never be so. Azerbaijani state will never give independent to its historical land – Nagorno Karabakh. This is not possible. The opposite knows it. I hope that we will see positive trends in the development of talks.

But besides that we understand that we should be stronger to reach the resolution of this issue. Our current force is quite significant. But, we should be strong in all dimensions. Economic and political steps made by Azerbaijan as well as steps made in the army building process demonstrate that we are getting even stronger from economic, military and political points of view. Our increasing role in the region will allow us, of course, to solve this issue.

In the years to come, we will continue our policy in all others field relying upon already formed positive experience. Today, we expressed my views on main directions. I would like to say once again we dispose a concrete action plan and concrete programs in each direction. We based our activities on these programs and there are results in each direction. We build a democratic, secular, economically strong and modern state. There are good results in this direction. We will continue our efforts in each direction in the future.

We have already significant financial capabilities. We know very well that in the years to come, our financial resources will be ever stronger particularly due to the energy sector development. But this does not mean that we should content only with that and not to implement reforms. On the contrary, we should use these financial resources to stimulate the development of new fields. Today, information and communication technologies are developing very fast in Azerbaijan. Sometimes, people ask the following question: you dispose large oil and gas reserves and financial capabilities, so why you deal exactly with this field? This is our strategic course. OF we want to build a modern state and reduce our dependence on oil and gas factors and should bring necessarily the most modern technologies in Azerbaijan. Investments made to the science and technological processes will serve to the formation of the strongest, new and modern scientific discoveries in Azerbaijan.

If we wish to build a modern state, our work in all fields should be carried out necessarily at the level of modern standards. We can achieve this goal only by investing into science and education. I am very delighted that financial capital is invested into human capital in Azerbaijan and it yields results. The younger generation differing by its knowledge, skills and patriotic mood is being formed in the country.

Of course, we should think about the future. In spite that our natural resources will ensure our good life for at least another hundred years, if we can say so, but what will happen then? Of course, it is difficult to predict it now. But, in any case, we should strive to look at what will happen in 10, 20 or 50 years. How the world will develop? How Azerbaijan will develop? At what expense? How will be the situation in the region? How will be the demographic situation?! We should prepare the entire work today. The political and economic reforms started early and mid 90-ies yield its benefits today. The first stage of the Contract of the Century signed in 1994 was completed with Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline in 2006. But, the work carried out today will ensure our successful development in 10, 15 and 20 years. We direct our energy resources to the development of our country and increase the number of our friends. This meets fully our interests. Therefore, we should look at the future and do so. The reforms implemented by us ensure both our current development and future development.

I would like to be back once again to the Armenian-Azerbaijani, Nagorno Karabakh conflict. Of course, there are long years that our lands are under occupation. It is very painful for us. This is our most difficult and painful problem. We strive to better the life level of our compatriots. Relevant programs are adopted and settlements are being built. You know well all this work. But, this is the temporary solution of this problem. We should return to those lands and will do so. In spite the fact that Armenians have destroyed everything in the occupied lands. We will rebuild, refurbish and renovate cities. We keep always this issue in the focus of attention. But, it is also true that we should obtain such a solution to this issue which would ensure fully the interests of Azerbaijan. Some partial agreement cannot ensure our interests. May by today we can bring back some portion of the occupied lands by agreeing for any compromise. But, when other lands will be returned?! Therefore, we should treat it from the point of view of statehood and strategic choice. We should be very sensitive and prudent to some opportunistic issues. We should restore fully our territorial integrity. Both occupied lands and Nagorno Karabakh are our lands and our sovereignty should be ensured in those lands. Of course, this is the issue which is to be solved in stages. But, this is the strategic course. We are committed to this choice. But today the gap between Armenia and Azerbaijan is so significant, and all conditions are created to deepen this gap. Based on this factor, I do not doubt at all that we will restore our territorial integrity. Economic, political, military and demographic factors play its role in this case. As years pass by these factors will strengthen further our position.

Therefore, we should work in a way that will enable us to make the most relevant steps and ensure the full restoration of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. All our work – political and economic reforms are implemented for this purpose. Of course, the development of country should be ensured. All of us remember well the situation of Azerbaijan when the country got independence. With the initiative and leadership of Heydar Aliyev, reforms implemented in the country allowed us to sort out from a difficult situation.

But, Armenian-Azerbaijani, Nagorno Karabakh conflict and still pending resolution of this issue encouraged us to perform faster this work. It served to mobilize us further. This is our goal. Except this issue, all other issues are being solved and will be solved in Azerbaijan. I spoke already about it and we have an open policy. Therefore, our people and society should be mobilized and each citizen should work at his place to bring closer that day with our joint efforts, well balanced policy and exact steps. I hope that that day will come and Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity will be restored.

Very important tasks are facing the Milli Majlis in next five years. I would like to point out once again that the excellent traditions of parliamentarianism are formed already in Azerbaijan. The Milli Majlis is the political institution and one of the power branches. Decisions taken by the Majlis serve to the development of our country and this should be so. All of us should try to strengthen our country. In spite of any position or political views, all of us should pay efforts to foster the independent Azerbaijani state. I am very pleased that these trends are strengthened in Azerbaijani society and during last years, including the political spectrum as well. The influence of forces trying to undermine the development of Azerbaijan, blackmail Azerbaijan or awaiting some unpleasant event in Azerbaijan has decreased significantly and we can practically say that it is not felt. Results of these parliamentary elections have demonstrated it once again.

Azerbaijan is a free and democratic country. We pay a very big attention to the development of democracy. We want to form a strong political system in Azerbaijan. I think that the current composition of the Milli Majlis will serve to this goal and political opponents will struggle for their views and ideas. These trends are strengthening already in Azerbaijani society and particularly at political level. I consider it as a positive case and the development of our society. Of course, the modern, developing, integrating into the world and earning a big respect across the globe, Azerbaijan should dispose a modern political system. But, the Azerbaijani state or head of state or authorities cannot do it alone. It can gain economic development, but the issue of improvement of the political system is to be ensured by all political forces. I wish that all political forces should be strengthened further in Azerbaijan. We need a strong political system. Democratic discussions, debates and exchange of views, pluralism trends and free media should be fostered further in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani state try to do all its possible in this field to enable us to hit the target. Thus, in its turn, the Milli Majlis will contribute to the political struggle by cultural and civil rules in Azerbaijan.

Dear members of Parliament, I would like to congratulate you sincerely once again on the occasion of your election as the member. Azerbaijani people gave its trust and confidence to you. I am confident that you will prove this confidence. Thank you.