Speech by Ilham Aliyev at the ceremony dedicated to the 95th anniversary of the Azerbaijani police

- Dear employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs!

I congratulate you and all the personnel of the Ministry of Internal Affairs on the Police Day and wish you all continued success!

Today we are marking the opening of the Heydar Aliyev Center at the Police Academy. It is a wonderful center and a perfect work of architecture. At the same time, the interior design is pleasing to the eye. I am confident that this center will operate very efficiently and play a huge role in the training of personnel studying at the Academy.

As you know, great leader Heydar Aliyev played a special role in the formation of the police. It was under his leadership that the modern police force was created in Azerbaijan. We remember the situation before 1993 very well. And so do you.

Unfortunately, the arbitrariness and anarchy that prevailed in the police bodies in the early years of our independence inflicted great damage to our country. At that time, in 1991-1993 on the whole, Azerbaijan's successful development was not ensured, domestic stability was disrupted, there was internal strife, which resulted in a civil war.

If the police and the people in charge of it had fulfilled their responsibilities properly at that important moment in our history, the country could not have faced such a difficult situation. The point is that the then leadership of the Ministry of Internal Affairs actually played a major role in the spread of anarchy and tyranny. The leaders of internal affairs bodies actually created a tense criminal situation in the country. The police, in particular the minister and his deputies, were themselves engaged in robbery. We all remember those days - tyranny, extortion and illegal actions actually reduced to zero public respect for the police.

When the great leader came to power on the request of the people at such a hard time, he, of course, along with all other areas, gave an impetus to the formation of a police force meeting contemporary requirements. The development of the police, the creation of a healthy atmosphere in the police force and a worthy execution by the police of their duties - all of these issues have had a positive impact on the overall development of our country.

We all remember that stability in Azerbaijan was undermined at the time. There was an economic decline. Azerbaijan became known in the world as a high-risk country, no investment was made in Azerbaijan, while economic development had completely stopped. In the industrial sphere the decline was so deep that all the enterprises were actually in a paralyzed state.

The main prerequisite for the development of any country is stability. While observing developments in various regions of the world today, we can see again that if stability is compromised, other issues can’t be resolved either. When stability is violated, development is out of the question. Therefore, the restoration of stability was the main goal in those years. The determination and wisdom of the great leader, popular confidence in him and the activities of the police created this stability, and Azerbaijan has been one of the most stable countries in the world for 20 years. We have been following the path of successful development for 20 years, and this stability, I want to say again, is the driving force at the heart of our development.

We, of course, have announced our plans for the future, and these plans are very open. Azerbaijan should continue to develop. Azerbaijan is doing great creative work. Social issues are being addressed.

Azerbaijan is one of the fastest growing countries in the world. There is no other country which would develop in the field of economy as Azerbaijan has over the last 10 years. Our main achievement is that we are committed to the path laid down by the great leader. The policy of Heydar Aliyev in Azerbaijan continues. The continuation of this policy determines our future success.

Of course, Azerbaijan is known worldwide as a reliable partner today. Our initiatives are already showing their importance in the world. As for the domestic situation, it is very stable and positive in Azerbaijan. All economic projects are successfully implemented. Our economy is growing. All sectors of the economy are developing. There is an extremely positive mood and atmosphere in our society. The high-ranking dignitaries coming to Azerbaijan always say that in meetings with me. Of course, a great impression is made on them by the beauty of Baku and the development of Azerbaijan. But at the same time, they emphasize that there is a great atmosphere in society. People go about their lives, go out in the morning, in the evening and at night together with their families and walk in public places – this is already a reality for us.

But in many countries the situation is completely different. Now we see that confrontation, protests and internal strife in different regions and different continents are leading to big disasters. Most people are unhappy with the situation. The change of government in some countries every three to four years is a sign of discontent. People want to hope that the new government will address some of their problems. But time passes and people get frustrated.

Our advantage is that the Azerbaijani society and our citizens have a lot of confidence in the future. All surveys suggest show that citizens of Azerbaijan believe that even better conditions and a wonderful life are in store for them in the future.

We, of course, must reinforce these positive trends, we should and we will provide the successful development of Azerbaijan. The policy we have been implementing over the years shows that it is the right policy. Azerbaijan is one of a handful of countries in the world that continues to grow even in the years of crisis.

This development is seen in the improvement of people’s well-being.

Of course, public order in Azerbaijan should always be protected at a high level. In particular, let me say again, we are very mindful of 1992-1993. We remember that when public order is violated, the country becomes uncontrollable. Today, public order is adequately protected by the police.

In Azerbaijan, the current situation of stability, development and confidence of the future is underpinned by state policy, a prudent and wise state policy focused on the citizens of Azerbaijan. At the same time, the activities of police officers, their professionalism and protection of public order further reinforce this stability.

I am very glad that reforms in the Azerbaijani police are ongoing successfully and professionalism is growing. The people to be trained at this academy will be professional. At the same time, the fight against crime in Azerbaijan is at a high level. The crime situation in Azerbaijan is very positive. We see that it is better than in other countries. The minister reports to me on a daily basis that about 30-40 crimes take place during the day. The vast majority of them are not very serious crimes. So for a country with a population of 9.3 million people 30-40 crimes is a very small figure.

This demonstrates that stability in our society and the positive dynamics of development certainly contribute to keeping the crime situation at a positive level. In countries where there is a very high rate of unemployment and poverty, the crime rate is also very high. All of these issues are interrelated. Society is a living organism. Unemployment in Azerbaijan has practically been eliminated in recent years - it is only at 5.2 per cent. The number of those living in poverty is 6 per cent, and I have set the task that poverty must be eliminated.

So we can say that the factors contributing to the growth of crime in Azerbaijan are being eliminated. This situation makes me very happy because Azerbaijan is one of the safest countries and Baku is one of the safest cities in the world.

People in Baku live peacefully. They can walk safely at any time of the day - in the evenings and at night. You, police officers, are well aware of that because you are in control of the situation. People really enjoy themselves.

A very serious fight is waged against organized crime in Azerbaijan. As a result of this fight, I can say that Azerbaijan has eliminated organized crime. There are some manifestations, but they are immediately suppressed. I believe that we have achieved great progress in this direction. Compared with other countries, the situation in Azerbaijan is very positive in this sphere.

Issues of technical support of the police are also resolved at a high level. This issue is constantly in the spotlight. I can say that the use of the latest facilities helps to successfully address issues of crime prevention. Security cameras installed in various places of the city play a positive role and are very helpful in terms of crime prevention and detection.

Crime detection in Azerbaijan is also at a high level. And this attests to the professionalism of police officers. At the same time, we are successfully using and will continue to use new facilities. Technology is rapidly evolving. As you know, Azerbaijan pays great attention to technological progress. We are applying the most advanced technologies in Azerbaijan and efficiently using them to address security issues.

In a word, I can say that we have taken serious steps in this direction in recent years. I am confident that this positive trend will be continued in Azerbaijan in the future too.

The Interior Ministry Troops are also developing. The issues of provision of the Interior Ministry Troops are being addressed at a high level.

We are importing the most advanced machinery and combat equipment. The Interior Ministry Troops are a major force which certainly carries out a major function in society. The Interior Ministry Troops must always guard stability and order, and this will always be the case.

I would like to say a few words about the tasks the police are facing. Of course, first of all, the main function of the police is to protect public order. I can say that police officers are successfully fulfilling this task.

Police officers should always treat people with attention and care and not be rude. When such facts are detected, action should be taken immediately.

The fight against crime must be conducted at a high level. Azerbaijan, let me say again, may serve as an example in everything. In fact, I believe that our experience in the fight against crime may also be of interest to other countries. In other words, police officers must be very serious about that.

Police officers should be in the forefront of the fight against corruption and bribery. You know that Azerbaijan is waging serious struggle and taking serious measures against these negative phenomena, and police officers should be an example.

In general, the attitude towards the police in society is an indicator of the level of development of society as a whole.

Society should have great respect for the police. And this respect should be won by the police. When dealing with people, employees of the police should behave so that people’s respect for them could grow. Respect for the police means respect for the state. Police officers guard the law. The police are fighting crime. They risk their lives, and citizens should not forget that. So a quiet life of society and the security of the country are provided by the police. They have very large functions and are doing a tremendous job. I appreciate the work done, and you know that I always defend and will continue to defend the police.

I remember 2005, when some forces wanted to stage the notorious "orange revolution" in Azerbaijan, but the decisive actions of the police stopped those negative things. Then, in 2005, the situation was not the same as now. In some cases Azerbaijan came under pressure from international organizations. Now, of course, no-one can put pressure on us, and I can say that such attempts have been exhausted. But then the pressure on us was quite strong to condemn the actions of the police who were allegedly overzealous, and to punish them. In other words, we were left with a choice. I said back then and I want to say again now that not a single policeman will be punished.

They guard the law and provide security. Risking their lives, they provide a quiet life of the Azerbaijani state.

Today I also want to say that the police act within the law, adequately respond and will continue to respond to all illegal acts. Let no-one doubt that if there are attempts to test our strength, they will get a decent answer.

I want to reiterate that the present successful development of Azerbaijan is a reality. It pleases us and our friends and upsets those who do not like us. Azerbaijan has become an extremely important country. Azerbaijan's geographical location, our stance on geopolitical issues, our energy resources, transportation infrastructure and other factors, i.e. our economic development, and the fact that Azerbaijan is a politically strong country, of course, enhance interest in us. Of course, Azerbaijan attracts great interest of some circles as a strong state. We do not mind that because we are part of the international community and are a member of the top organization in the world - the UN Security Council. There is nothing higher in the world.

Of course, we are open to any cooperation and take specific steps towards international cooperation. But I want to say once again that our relations with all countries and structures are built on mutual interests and mutual respect. The principle of noninterference in each other's affairs is our top priority. This is our principled position. This position is based on justice and international law.

But of course there are attempts to attract Azerbaijan to a certain direction and to affect our policies in one way or another.

There are and will be similar attempts in the future. The main thing is that the Azerbaijani state conducts and will conduct its own independent policy. This policy is underpinned by the independent will of the Azerbaijani people and, at the same time, the stability, public and political order in our society, which further enhance our strength.

We will follow the path of independence. Today, the independent Azerbaijan is a stabilizing factor for the region. We are playing a stabilizing role and, of course, no force can turn us away from our independent policy. We have no problems with the domestic situation. There is unity between the people and the government. All of our initiatives are supported by the people. And those who want to oppose us have showed their true colors again. They show once again that they have no idea of independence. They show once again that they have the slave mentality. The slave mentality is that they are in constant search of a "big brother". They always want to be at someone’s feet. They constantly hold on to someone's lap and beg for help. So here we have the political picture of the present-day Azerbaijan: on the one hand, there is the Azerbaijani government, the independent and worthy policy, the policy of not bowing to anyone, and on the other, there are anti-national, corrupt and treacherous elements and groups. I cannot even describe them as a force. They are ready to embark on any path for the sake of their own personal interests. Such is today's political palette.

Of course, the Azerbaijani people are wise enough and can clearly see everything. They can see who is leading the country where and who wants to take the country somewhere else. Azerbaijan has been an independent state for more than 20 years. There is no bigger happiness. We will defend our freedom at any cost and will ensure the successful development of Azerbaijan.

The police also play a major role in this. I am sure that police officers, as always, will show loyalty to the state and statehood.

Once again, I congratulate you, dear friends, on this holiday!