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SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF REGIONS IS PRIORITY OF THE STATE AND THIS POLICY WILL BE CONTINUED IN THE YEARS AHEAD
AzerTag, Azerbaijan
Sept 8 2005
SPEECH OF THE PRESIDENT OF AZERBAIJAN ILHAM ALIYEV AT THE OPENING OF
THE MONUMENT TO THE NATIONWIDE LEADER HEYDAR ALIYEV IN THE CITY OF
LANKARAN
Dear residents of Lankaran,
Dear sisters and brothers,
I welcome all of you, and would like to express my deep respect and
love to you. We are having a landmark day. Today, we open the monument
to the nationwide leader of the Azerbaijan people Heydar Aliyev in
Lankaran. Heydar Aliyev has exclusive merits in the present history of
Azerbaijan. Thanks to his activity, our country overcame the crisis
in 1990s, reached development and since 1993 up to date, confidently
marches along the path of development. We all well remember hard
moments in early 1990s. In that time, anarchy, chaos, arbitrariness
ruled in the country, both economically and politically. The country~Rs
future, its destiny was unknown. Only thanks to resoluteness of Heydar
Aliyev, his political will, experience and courage, our country could
overcome this ordeal, and now is a country with quickly developing
economy both in region and world.
I have been to Lankaran for many times, and every time when I see
novelty, attractive construction works I feel deep sense of pleasure.
I would like that everywhere in Azerbaijan developed, its regions,
provinces were equipped with modern amenities and the people lived
much better. Perhaps, for this purpose, the country should have strong
economic potential. In mid-1990s, the economic reforms started after
establishment of socio-political stability in Azerbaijan, yield fruits.
If those reforms were not carried out, and continued today, we could
not reach what we wanted. Strength of every country is connected to
its economic potential. The ongoing economic processes in Azerbaijan
give reason to say that our country will soon become a rich and
strong state. Economic factors are of great importance to solve
the social problems, strengthen the country~Rs defense potential,
and hold worthy place on the international arena. Therefore, it is
not by cause that we attach major importance to these questions and
in the last two years, as a result of the done works, our country
began to rapidly develop. In 8 months of current year, the economic
growth has reached 20 percent. This is an unprecedented index in
the world economy. Economy of the developed countries grows 2-3
percent annually. Economy of Azerbaijan in 8 months has grown 20
percent. The industrious potential has grown for 23 percent. This is,
of course, statistic data. But at the same time, these indices find
their reflection in life. Last years, the attention given to the
social questions promoted rise of wages, pensions, and scholarships.
Scholarships of the students have increased by 2,5 times. Average
monthly wages rises quickly. Minimal wages in the last two years
have increased by 3 times and since October 1 the minimal wages in
Azerbaijan will make 150 thousand manats. And this is not the limit.
We know that there are many problems in the country, in particular,
social problems. Major of those are unemployment and poverty. I am
confident the works done in this direction will promote to abolish
both of them.
Execution of the socio-economic development program in Azerbaijan
since February last year, promoted opening of 300 thousand new
workplaces and majority of them are permanent. Where have been opened
300 thousand workplaces in other counties in such a short period of
time? In Azerbaijan, two years ago, the people living in the poverty
made 50 percent. Now, it is 40 percent. Of course, this is also much.
But next year, probably, the figure will downsize, and finally, there
should not be poor in Azerbaijan. We should create such a state, such
a country that in Azerbaijan, every citizen lived better, comfortably,
not faced material problems. And opportunities were created to solve
social problems. We try to do our best in this direction.
As I said, I have been in Lankaran for many times. I remember,
in January 2004, when a building was damaged, I came here and
familiarized with the situation, visited the inured at the hospital,
and I saw that the conditions here was not good at all. That is, not
only here, all the hospitals in Azerbaijan need cardinal overhaul.
This is natural. For many years, when we had no economic opportunities,
it was not possible to pay due attention to social problems. Now we
have enough funds to do so. Today, it is going to be a ceremony
of laying foundation of a new diagnostics and medical center
in Lankaran. I don~Rt doubt a new well-equipped hospital will be
constructed here soon. In addition, I have recently issued an order
on construction of a new airport in the town, I believe this will
contribute to i development of this region. I would like to repeat
that to realize these intentions, we have to create huge economic
potential. Azerbaijan~Rs budget is increased yearly ~V $2 bln 200 mln
in 2006 against $1 bln 500 mln in 2005. In 2006, it is expected to
reach at least $3 bln 500 mln. This shows the country is on the path
of progress. Electricity supply is also getting improved, and today
in the town of Astara, a foundation for a new electric power plant
will be laid. It will generate 90 MW power helping supply the region
with electricity. Such plants will be installed in every region of
the country during this and next years.
Strengthening economic potential will create favorable conditions to
solve any problems in Azerbaijan. In the first place, it will foster
political reforms in the country. Processes of democratization in
Azerbaijan are of immense importance, particularly, in the context
of the November parliamentary election in the country. The first
phase of the election run-up went well with over 2 thousand people
proposing themselves as candidates. It shows people believe in fair
election. For comparison, no more than 400 nominees were registered
in 2000 parliamentary election. I hope the new parliament will play a
key role in the improvement of the legislative basis in Azerbaijan.
New progressive laws will be adopted and have a positive impact on
every sphere of our life.
My course is aimed at development of every region of Azerbaijan. I
want them to have good roads, well-equipped schools and hospitals,
as well as continuous, gas power and water supply.
Addressing you at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Complex in
Lankaran during 2003 election campaign, I told you I would do my best
for my people and my homeland.
I can say, over the past period solutions have been found to all
the tasks set in both domestic and foreign policy. Of course, the
occupation of our lands concerns us most of all. As you know we
are making great efforts, but there is no a result yet. There is
no a result because the destructive position of Armenia does not
yet allow to find peaceful solution. We are still hoping for the
peace process. At the same time, however, we should reinforce our
military potential. In 2006, our military budget will reach $600
mln against $300 mln in 2005 and $175 mln in 2004. We have already
achieved military superiority over Armenian, and the enemy must realize
that Azerbaijan~Rs army is strong enough to release its lands at any
moment. Anyway, we have to get even stronger.
In other word, my friends, want to state that our policy is quite
transparent and clear, and serves the present and the future of
the Azerbaijani people. All the work done allows us to hope we will
achieve the goal. We will be leading our country towards progress in
political, military, economic and social spheres. We need to do it
together. The people of Azerbaijan must do it, and we shall do it.
Once again, accept my congratulations and best wishes for your health
and happiness.
AzerTag, Azerbaijan
Sept 8 2005
SPEECH OF THE PRESIDENT OF AZERBAIJAN ILHAM ALIYEV AT THE OPENING OF
THE MONUMENT TO THE NATIONWIDE LEADER HEYDAR ALIYEV IN THE CITY OF
LANKARAN
Dear residents of Lankaran,
Dear sisters and brothers,
I welcome all of you, and would like to express my deep respect and
love to you. We are having a landmark day. Today, we open the monument
to the nationwide leader of the Azerbaijan people Heydar Aliyev in
Lankaran. Heydar Aliyev has exclusive merits in the present history of
Azerbaijan. Thanks to his activity, our country overcame the crisis
in 1990s, reached development and since 1993 up to date, confidently
marches along the path of development. We all well remember hard
moments in early 1990s. In that time, anarchy, chaos, arbitrariness
ruled in the country, both economically and politically. The country~Rs
future, its destiny was unknown. Only thanks to resoluteness of Heydar
Aliyev, his political will, experience and courage, our country could
overcome this ordeal, and now is a country with quickly developing
economy both in region and world.
I have been to Lankaran for many times, and every time when I see
novelty, attractive construction works I feel deep sense of pleasure.
I would like that everywhere in Azerbaijan developed, its regions,
provinces were equipped with modern amenities and the people lived
much better. Perhaps, for this purpose, the country should have strong
economic potential. In mid-1990s, the economic reforms started after
establishment of socio-political stability in Azerbaijan, yield fruits.
If those reforms were not carried out, and continued today, we could
not reach what we wanted. Strength of every country is connected to
its economic potential. The ongoing economic processes in Azerbaijan
give reason to say that our country will soon become a rich and
strong state. Economic factors are of great importance to solve
the social problems, strengthen the country~Rs defense potential,
and hold worthy place on the international arena. Therefore, it is
not by cause that we attach major importance to these questions and
in the last two years, as a result of the done works, our country
began to rapidly develop. In 8 months of current year, the economic
growth has reached 20 percent. This is an unprecedented index in
the world economy. Economy of the developed countries grows 2-3
percent annually. Economy of Azerbaijan in 8 months has grown 20
percent. The industrious potential has grown for 23 percent. This is,
of course, statistic data. But at the same time, these indices find
their reflection in life. Last years, the attention given to the
social questions promoted rise of wages, pensions, and scholarships.
Scholarships of the students have increased by 2,5 times. Average
monthly wages rises quickly. Minimal wages in the last two years
have increased by 3 times and since October 1 the minimal wages in
Azerbaijan will make 150 thousand manats. And this is not the limit.
We know that there are many problems in the country, in particular,
social problems. Major of those are unemployment and poverty. I am
confident the works done in this direction will promote to abolish
both of them.
Execution of the socio-economic development program in Azerbaijan
since February last year, promoted opening of 300 thousand new
workplaces and majority of them are permanent. Where have been opened
300 thousand workplaces in other counties in such a short period of
time? In Azerbaijan, two years ago, the people living in the poverty
made 50 percent. Now, it is 40 percent. Of course, this is also much.
But next year, probably, the figure will downsize, and finally, there
should not be poor in Azerbaijan. We should create such a state, such
a country that in Azerbaijan, every citizen lived better, comfortably,
not faced material problems. And opportunities were created to solve
social problems. We try to do our best in this direction.
As I said, I have been in Lankaran for many times. I remember,
in January 2004, when a building was damaged, I came here and
familiarized with the situation, visited the inured at the hospital,
and I saw that the conditions here was not good at all. That is, not
only here, all the hospitals in Azerbaijan need cardinal overhaul.
This is natural. For many years, when we had no economic opportunities,
it was not possible to pay due attention to social problems. Now we
have enough funds to do so. Today, it is going to be a ceremony
of laying foundation of a new diagnostics and medical center
in Lankaran. I don~Rt doubt a new well-equipped hospital will be
constructed here soon. In addition, I have recently issued an order
on construction of a new airport in the town, I believe this will
contribute to i development of this region. I would like to repeat
that to realize these intentions, we have to create huge economic
potential. Azerbaijan~Rs budget is increased yearly ~V $2 bln 200 mln
in 2006 against $1 bln 500 mln in 2005. In 2006, it is expected to
reach at least $3 bln 500 mln. This shows the country is on the path
of progress. Electricity supply is also getting improved, and today
in the town of Astara, a foundation for a new electric power plant
will be laid. It will generate 90 MW power helping supply the region
with electricity. Such plants will be installed in every region of
the country during this and next years.
Strengthening economic potential will create favorable conditions to
solve any problems in Azerbaijan. In the first place, it will foster
political reforms in the country. Processes of democratization in
Azerbaijan are of immense importance, particularly, in the context
of the November parliamentary election in the country. The first
phase of the election run-up went well with over 2 thousand people
proposing themselves as candidates. It shows people believe in fair
election. For comparison, no more than 400 nominees were registered
in 2000 parliamentary election. I hope the new parliament will play a
key role in the improvement of the legislative basis in Azerbaijan.
New progressive laws will be adopted and have a positive impact on
every sphere of our life.
My course is aimed at development of every region of Azerbaijan. I
want them to have good roads, well-equipped schools and hospitals,
as well as continuous, gas power and water supply.
Addressing you at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Complex in
Lankaran during 2003 election campaign, I told you I would do my best
for my people and my homeland.
I can say, over the past period solutions have been found to all
the tasks set in both domestic and foreign policy. Of course, the
occupation of our lands concerns us most of all. As you know we
are making great efforts, but there is no a result yet. There is
no a result because the destructive position of Armenia does not
yet allow to find peaceful solution. We are still hoping for the
peace process. At the same time, however, we should reinforce our
military potential. In 2006, our military budget will reach $600
mln against $300 mln in 2005 and $175 mln in 2004. We have already
achieved military superiority over Armenian, and the enemy must realize
that Azerbaijan~Rs army is strong enough to release its lands at any
moment. Anyway, we have to get even stronger.
In other word, my friends, want to state that our policy is quite
transparent and clear, and serves the present and the future of
the Azerbaijani people. All the work done allows us to hope we will
achieve the goal. We will be leading our country towards progress in
political, military, economic and social spheres. We need to do it
together. The people of Azerbaijan must do it, and we shall do it.
Once again, accept my congratulations and best wishes for your health
and happiness.