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MilAz.info, Azerbaijan
Jan 1 2012
President Ilham Aliyev: The key issues facing the country in 2011 have
been resolved
12:50 01-01-2012
Congratulatory message of President Ilham Aliyev to the people of
Azerbaijan on the occasion of the Day of Solidarity of Azerbaijanis of
the World and New Year
Dear ladies and gentlemen!
Dear compatriots!
I would like to wish you all a Happy New Year.
Year 2011 is being consigned to history. It has been a successful year
for our country. The key issues facing the country in 2011 have been
resolved. Azerbaijan has secured a successful economic development. It
is gratifying that the non-oil sector of our economy has substantially
expanded. Our non-oil economy has grown more than 10 per cent, which
is evidence of the reforms conducted in previous years.
All sectors of our economy are developing. Extensive creative and
landscaping work is under way in the country. Azerbaijan is
invigorating its positions in the region. Our economic development
statistics are very positive. The country's currency reserves are
growing. We already have over $40 billion of currency reserves.
Billions of dollars in investment are channeled in the national
economy and this process is ongoing. The volume of investment is
growing by the year.
Our districts are developing successfully. This year, up to 100,000
jobs have been created. Overall, more than one million jobs have been
created in the last eight years, the vast majority of which have been
permanent. Population incomes have increased 20 per cent. The level of
inflation is under 8 per cent. The level of poverty is falling. At the
end of 2011, the level of poverty will be below 8 per cent. The
unemployment rate is decreasing. The rate of unemployment in
Azerbaijan is 5.5 per cent. All these indicators suggest that our
country is developing successfully and dynamically. Despite the
negative developments unfolding in world and European economies,
Azerbaijan is moving forward confidently.
All social issues are being resolved. This year, the average pensions
of about 900,000 people have been raised by approximately 40 per cent.
The minimum wage was also raised on 1 December. Other social programs
are under way. Schools, hospitals and sports centers are built. In
other words, Azerbaijan is experiencing all-round and dynamic
development. Political reforms are well under way. Democracy is
successfully developing. Specific steps are taken to modernize the
country. We are vigorously fighting corruption and bribery and seeing
excellent results of this fight. It should be even more focused and
vigorous in the coming years. All the necessary orders have been
issued. In short, we are building a modern state. We are building a
modern, secular state confident of the future on the basis of deep
national and spiritual values and roots.
The problem worrying us the most is the unresolved status of the
Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijan is
stepping up its efforts in all countries, especially in the recent
period. But as you know, a solution of this issue depends not only on
us.
Unfortunately, Armenia's non-constructive stance, its hypocrisy in the
negotiations and the practical defiance of talks have dealt a serious
blow to the process. Unfortunately, the world community and the
countries directly dealing with the issue are shying away from naming
the party responsible for disrupting the talks.
There are positive statements. We are hearing and supporting these
statements. In particular, this year's novelty has been a repeated
indication by co-chairs that the status-quo is unacceptable. We
support these statements. But statements should be followed by
specific steps. Unfortunately, these steps are not taken.
We will continue our diplomatic and political efforts. We have a
principled stance in the negotiations. We will not back down a single
step from it. Nagorno-Karabakh is native and historical Azerbaijani
land. The international community and the United Nations recognize and
support Azerbaijan's territorial integrity. The international
community views Nagorno-Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan. The conflict
must be resolved precisely on these principles. The territorial
integrity of our country must be restored. Occupying forces must
withdraw from all our occupied territories. Azerbaijani citizens must
be able to return to occupied territories, including Nagorno-Karabakh
and Shusha. Only then can a lasting peace be established. We will
never tolerate a second Armenian state on native Azerbaijani lands.
This is our principled position. I want to reiterate that this
position is based on history, international law and justice.
At the same time, as is the case in the economic sphere, we are
conducting all-round reforms in the military area. Our military
strength and potential are growing. In 2011, our military expenditure
exceeded $3 billion. This is more than Armenia's total expenditure.
Next year our military expenditure will increase further. The latest
weaponry, hardware, warplanes, helicopter gunships and ammunition are
and will be brought to Azerbaijan. In addition, more than 600 types of
military products are manufactured in Azerbaijan through the Ministry
of Defense Industry which was established several years ago. We will
continue doing our utmost to strengthen our military potential in the
future. Our current military potential enables us to free our native
lands from occupiers at any time. We simply haven't lost hope in the
negotiations and for the time being these negotiations should be
continued.
In 2011, our country achieved great successes in the highly important
energy sector. Azerbaijan has managed to further reinforce its
positions. Earlier this year, the European Union and Azerbaijan signed
a very important declaration on strategic cooperation. Azerbaijan is
already viewed as a country capable of supplying Europe with energy,
in particular natural gas. Our opportunities are growing.
The new gas fields discovered this year and those discovered last year
have substantially bolstered our gas potential. We will have our say
in the world as a gas nation for many years to come.
All the necessary transit agreements were signed in 2011. We now have
the opportunity to transport Azerbaijani gas to world markets through
various routes. I think major investment must be made in our immense
gas fields in 2012. Our gas potential will prove to be a highly
important asset for our country in a matter of several years.
There is development in other sectors of the economy. Agriculture,
industrial production and the non-oil sector are growing.
Additionally, humanitarian issues were also successfully dealt with in
2011. Azerbaijan has asserted itself in the world as a tolerant state.
The First International Humanitarian Forum was held in Baku this year.
All forum participants have left Azerbaijan with wonderful
impressions. Azerbaijan's rare experience, the experience of
conducting an inter-religious, interethnic dialogue and the dialogue
between civilizations, is of great interest to the world. Of course,
our positive experience, the great atmosphere in Azerbaijan and
Azerbaijani society, the fact that representatives of all
nationalities and confessions live like one family in Azerbaijan are a
rare phenomenon in the present-day world. Unfortunately,
discrimination, mutual distrust and apathy trends are becoming
increasingly widespread in different parts of the world and on
different continents. These are very dangerous trends. Azerbaijan's
positive experience must be studied and, in a broader sense, other
countries should take advantage of it.
A very important event for country occurred in 2011. Azerbaijan has
been elected to the UN Security Council for the first time. This is a
major historic victory. I think that this is our biggest victory in
the 20 years of independence. We have earned the confidence of the
whole world in a difficult struggle. From the very first to the last
round of voting Azerbaijan was in the lead. As a result, a total of
155 countries of the world voted for Azerbaijan, showed their
confidence in us and supported our policies. There is great confidence
and respect for Azerbaijan. Our policies enjoy support. Because our
policies are based on justice. Our policies are independent. I have
repeatedly stated in the last eight years that Azerbaijan is pursuing
independent policies. Azerbaijan has a road of its own. This is a road
of development, progress and democracy. This road has been chosen by
the Azerbaijani people. All our steps proceed from the interests of
the Azerbaijani people.
Underlying all our work are the interests of Azerbaijani citizens and
Azerbaijan. We have achieved great successes in the area of state
building. The whole world now supports Azerbaijan. When we say the
international community, the first thing that comes to mind is the
United Nations. Because this is the international community. The
opinion of the international community is not the opinion of a small
organization, a regional group or an NGO. The opinion of the
international community is the opinion of the UN, the opinion of 155
countries. This support and confidence inspire us even more. We will
be defending the principles of justice in the Security Council for the
next two years.
This year we have celebrated the 20th anniversary of the restoration
of our independence. There have been difficult and great days in the
20 years. And there have been more great days. I am absolutely sure
that there are only great days in store for us in the future.
Azerbaijan will continue to develop and grow stronger. The 20 years of
independence have shown that the people of Azerbaijan can live as an
independent nation and live well. The state of Azerbaijan has asserted
itself in the region as a stabilizing factor. No projects can be
implemented in the region without Azerbaijan's participation. The
experience of recent years has shown this yet again. Azerbaijan is
reckoned with in the economic, energy, political, diplomatic and
regional cooperation matters. We have achieved this ourselves and we
must protect this achievement. We must and we will protect our
country.
Dear friends!
It is also the Day of Solidarity of Azerbaijanis of the World today. I
would like to send my greetings to all Azerbaijanis of the world and
express my regards and love for them. The people of Azerbaijan is a
great nation. We have a great history and a bright future. All
Azerbaijanis of the world know that there is an independent and strong
Azerbaijani state on the world map, a state that always thinks about
its compatriots, shares their problems and does its best to ensure
their well-being. I would like to congratulate all Azerbaijanis of the
world on this remarkable holiday.
Dear compatriots!
We are entering 2012. I am confident that our country will continue to
succeed in 2012. I would like to repeat that underlying all our work
are the citizens of Azerbaijan, Azerbaijani families.
I wish all our citizens, all the people of Azerbaijan good health,
happiness and well-being. Congratulations!
Jan 1 2012
President Ilham Aliyev: The key issues facing the country in 2011 have
been resolved
12:50 01-01-2012
Congratulatory message of President Ilham Aliyev to the people of
Azerbaijan on the occasion of the Day of Solidarity of Azerbaijanis of
the World and New Year
Dear ladies and gentlemen!
Dear compatriots!
I would like to wish you all a Happy New Year.
Year 2011 is being consigned to history. It has been a successful year
for our country. The key issues facing the country in 2011 have been
resolved. Azerbaijan has secured a successful economic development. It
is gratifying that the non-oil sector of our economy has substantially
expanded. Our non-oil economy has grown more than 10 per cent, which
is evidence of the reforms conducted in previous years.
All sectors of our economy are developing. Extensive creative and
landscaping work is under way in the country. Azerbaijan is
invigorating its positions in the region. Our economic development
statistics are very positive. The country's currency reserves are
growing. We already have over $40 billion of currency reserves.
Billions of dollars in investment are channeled in the national
economy and this process is ongoing. The volume of investment is
growing by the year.
Our districts are developing successfully. This year, up to 100,000
jobs have been created. Overall, more than one million jobs have been
created in the last eight years, the vast majority of which have been
permanent. Population incomes have increased 20 per cent. The level of
inflation is under 8 per cent. The level of poverty is falling. At the
end of 2011, the level of poverty will be below 8 per cent. The
unemployment rate is decreasing. The rate of unemployment in
Azerbaijan is 5.5 per cent. All these indicators suggest that our
country is developing successfully and dynamically. Despite the
negative developments unfolding in world and European economies,
Azerbaijan is moving forward confidently.
All social issues are being resolved. This year, the average pensions
of about 900,000 people have been raised by approximately 40 per cent.
The minimum wage was also raised on 1 December. Other social programs
are under way. Schools, hospitals and sports centers are built. In
other words, Azerbaijan is experiencing all-round and dynamic
development. Political reforms are well under way. Democracy is
successfully developing. Specific steps are taken to modernize the
country. We are vigorously fighting corruption and bribery and seeing
excellent results of this fight. It should be even more focused and
vigorous in the coming years. All the necessary orders have been
issued. In short, we are building a modern state. We are building a
modern, secular state confident of the future on the basis of deep
national and spiritual values and roots.
The problem worrying us the most is the unresolved status of the
Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijan is
stepping up its efforts in all countries, especially in the recent
period. But as you know, a solution of this issue depends not only on
us.
Unfortunately, Armenia's non-constructive stance, its hypocrisy in the
negotiations and the practical defiance of talks have dealt a serious
blow to the process. Unfortunately, the world community and the
countries directly dealing with the issue are shying away from naming
the party responsible for disrupting the talks.
There are positive statements. We are hearing and supporting these
statements. In particular, this year's novelty has been a repeated
indication by co-chairs that the status-quo is unacceptable. We
support these statements. But statements should be followed by
specific steps. Unfortunately, these steps are not taken.
We will continue our diplomatic and political efforts. We have a
principled stance in the negotiations. We will not back down a single
step from it. Nagorno-Karabakh is native and historical Azerbaijani
land. The international community and the United Nations recognize and
support Azerbaijan's territorial integrity. The international
community views Nagorno-Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan. The conflict
must be resolved precisely on these principles. The territorial
integrity of our country must be restored. Occupying forces must
withdraw from all our occupied territories. Azerbaijani citizens must
be able to return to occupied territories, including Nagorno-Karabakh
and Shusha. Only then can a lasting peace be established. We will
never tolerate a second Armenian state on native Azerbaijani lands.
This is our principled position. I want to reiterate that this
position is based on history, international law and justice.
At the same time, as is the case in the economic sphere, we are
conducting all-round reforms in the military area. Our military
strength and potential are growing. In 2011, our military expenditure
exceeded $3 billion. This is more than Armenia's total expenditure.
Next year our military expenditure will increase further. The latest
weaponry, hardware, warplanes, helicopter gunships and ammunition are
and will be brought to Azerbaijan. In addition, more than 600 types of
military products are manufactured in Azerbaijan through the Ministry
of Defense Industry which was established several years ago. We will
continue doing our utmost to strengthen our military potential in the
future. Our current military potential enables us to free our native
lands from occupiers at any time. We simply haven't lost hope in the
negotiations and for the time being these negotiations should be
continued.
In 2011, our country achieved great successes in the highly important
energy sector. Azerbaijan has managed to further reinforce its
positions. Earlier this year, the European Union and Azerbaijan signed
a very important declaration on strategic cooperation. Azerbaijan is
already viewed as a country capable of supplying Europe with energy,
in particular natural gas. Our opportunities are growing.
The new gas fields discovered this year and those discovered last year
have substantially bolstered our gas potential. We will have our say
in the world as a gas nation for many years to come.
All the necessary transit agreements were signed in 2011. We now have
the opportunity to transport Azerbaijani gas to world markets through
various routes. I think major investment must be made in our immense
gas fields in 2012. Our gas potential will prove to be a highly
important asset for our country in a matter of several years.
There is development in other sectors of the economy. Agriculture,
industrial production and the non-oil sector are growing.
Additionally, humanitarian issues were also successfully dealt with in
2011. Azerbaijan has asserted itself in the world as a tolerant state.
The First International Humanitarian Forum was held in Baku this year.
All forum participants have left Azerbaijan with wonderful
impressions. Azerbaijan's rare experience, the experience of
conducting an inter-religious, interethnic dialogue and the dialogue
between civilizations, is of great interest to the world. Of course,
our positive experience, the great atmosphere in Azerbaijan and
Azerbaijani society, the fact that representatives of all
nationalities and confessions live like one family in Azerbaijan are a
rare phenomenon in the present-day world. Unfortunately,
discrimination, mutual distrust and apathy trends are becoming
increasingly widespread in different parts of the world and on
different continents. These are very dangerous trends. Azerbaijan's
positive experience must be studied and, in a broader sense, other
countries should take advantage of it.
A very important event for country occurred in 2011. Azerbaijan has
been elected to the UN Security Council for the first time. This is a
major historic victory. I think that this is our biggest victory in
the 20 years of independence. We have earned the confidence of the
whole world in a difficult struggle. From the very first to the last
round of voting Azerbaijan was in the lead. As a result, a total of
155 countries of the world voted for Azerbaijan, showed their
confidence in us and supported our policies. There is great confidence
and respect for Azerbaijan. Our policies enjoy support. Because our
policies are based on justice. Our policies are independent. I have
repeatedly stated in the last eight years that Azerbaijan is pursuing
independent policies. Azerbaijan has a road of its own. This is a road
of development, progress and democracy. This road has been chosen by
the Azerbaijani people. All our steps proceed from the interests of
the Azerbaijani people.
Underlying all our work are the interests of Azerbaijani citizens and
Azerbaijan. We have achieved great successes in the area of state
building. The whole world now supports Azerbaijan. When we say the
international community, the first thing that comes to mind is the
United Nations. Because this is the international community. The
opinion of the international community is not the opinion of a small
organization, a regional group or an NGO. The opinion of the
international community is the opinion of the UN, the opinion of 155
countries. This support and confidence inspire us even more. We will
be defending the principles of justice in the Security Council for the
next two years.
This year we have celebrated the 20th anniversary of the restoration
of our independence. There have been difficult and great days in the
20 years. And there have been more great days. I am absolutely sure
that there are only great days in store for us in the future.
Azerbaijan will continue to develop and grow stronger. The 20 years of
independence have shown that the people of Azerbaijan can live as an
independent nation and live well. The state of Azerbaijan has asserted
itself in the region as a stabilizing factor. No projects can be
implemented in the region without Azerbaijan's participation. The
experience of recent years has shown this yet again. Azerbaijan is
reckoned with in the economic, energy, political, diplomatic and
regional cooperation matters. We have achieved this ourselves and we
must protect this achievement. We must and we will protect our
country.
Dear friends!
It is also the Day of Solidarity of Azerbaijanis of the World today. I
would like to send my greetings to all Azerbaijanis of the world and
express my regards and love for them. The people of Azerbaijan is a
great nation. We have a great history and a bright future. All
Azerbaijanis of the world know that there is an independent and strong
Azerbaijani state on the world map, a state that always thinks about
its compatriots, shares their problems and does its best to ensure
their well-being. I would like to congratulate all Azerbaijanis of the
world on this remarkable holiday.
Dear compatriots!
We are entering 2012. I am confident that our country will continue to
succeed in 2012. I would like to repeat that underlying all our work
are the citizens of Azerbaijan, Azerbaijani families.
I wish all our citizens, all the people of Azerbaijan good health,
happiness and well-being. Congratulations!