Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva lit Novruz bonfire together with residents of Hasanriz village in Aghdara

On March 18, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva met with a group of residents who had relocated to Hasanriz village in the Aghdara district. They also reviewed the restoration work on private houses and infrastructure.

The head of state met with the residents and engaged in conversation with them.

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The head of state and the First Lady then lit the Novruz bonfire alongside the residents.

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President Ilham Aliyev: Live here comfortably and happily. You endured pain for 30 years—both moral pain, which is the heaviest burden, and the hardships of being refugees and displaced persons. That word is now slowly disappearing from our vocabulary.

Resident: National Leader Heydar Aliyev once said that Azerbaijani society must be able to withstand any difficulties if necessary – precisely for the sake of independence, freedom, and a strong state. When we achieved Victory, we once again realized how profound and valuable the National Leader’s words were. May his soul rest in peace.

President Ilham Aliyev: Yes, that is true. If he had not come to power at the request of the Azerbaijani people at that time, Azerbaijan could have been completely destroyed. In fact, the developments before 1993 were leading in that direction – occupation of our lands, internal strife, and civil war. The National Leader put an end to all of that, and the creation of a regular army is also linked to his name. We, his followers, have simply continued down his path, further strengthening our country, mobilizing all our resources, creating an iron fist, and crushing the enemy. And now, we are celebrating our holidays here. There can be no greater happiness than this. I congratulate you once again. Happy holidays!

Residents: Thank you very much. Good luck, and happy holidays once again!

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The head of state and the First Lady then visited the Flag Square in Hasanriz village, where the Azerbaijani tricolor flag waves on a 17-meter-high flagpole. The location of the Flag Square was chosen to offer a beautiful view, not only of Hasanriz village but also of nearby villages.