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President addresses world Azerbaijanis
Fri 02 January 2015 11:12 GMT | 11:12 Local Time
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev congratulated world Azerbaijanis
on Solidarity Day and New Year.
The president's message reads as follows:
`Dear ladies and gentlemen!
My fellow countrymen!
2014 is being left in the past. 2014 was a successful year for our
country. We have successfully completed all the tasks facing the
country, provided for a dynamic development of our country and further
strengthened our international position. Azerbaijan is recognized
worldwide as a reliable partner and our influence opportunities are
expanding.
As you know, in 2012-2013 Azerbaijan was represented in the world's
most influential organization, the UN Security Council. We won this
right with the support of 155 countries. And this year Azerbaijan
chaired the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, making a
valuable contribution to the development of democracy and protection
of human rights in Europe.
We have established equitable relations with all countries and have
good cooperation with neighboring and all other countries. Our
bilateral relations are developing. At the same time, Azerbaijan is
playing a positive role in the multilateral format. In particular,
Azerbaijan's role in regional development is also undeniable. Not a
single project can be implemented in the region without the
participation of Azerbaijan ` be it political, economic, energy or any
other.
In 2014 economic development was ensured. This is also very important
because, as you know, the world is still undergoing a financial and
economic crisis. Despite all this, the Azerbaijani economy is
developing successfully, and this development is underpinned by our
reforms. It is no coincidence that the world's most influential
economic structure, the Davos World Economic Forum, ranks Azerbaijan
in 38th place in terms of competitiveness. This is a great and
historic achievement.
The development of the non-oil sector remains a priority for us. I am
glad that this year our non-oil sector grew by almost 7 per cent.
Investments worth $27 billion were made in the country's economy. This
is also a very important event because there is a struggle for the
attraction of investment in the world. In Azerbaijan, investments are
at a high level. I am sure that it will also be the case next year.
The rate of poverty and unemployment is 5 per cent. This is a great
indicator on a global scale. The foreign debt accounts for only 8 per
cent of our gross domestic product. This is also a unique indicator.
The macroeconomic situation is stable. Our foreign exchange reserves
exceed $50 billion. The rate of the manat remains stable.
You are well aware that due to the decline in oil prices in the world,
including our region, certain tensions are being experienced.
Azerbaijan is an island of stability, a model country. Our country
provides and will continue to provide both political and economic
stability. The Azerbaijani people will live in safety, and the
well-being of our people will improve every year. The social policy
has always been the main objective for us. This year, we invested
heavily in the creation of the social infrastructure in Azerbaijan,
built and repaired more than 60 medical institutions, 50 schools and
kindergartens. I am sure that these positive developments will be
continued next year as well.
In Azerbaijan, inflation is 1.4 per cent, and the growth of population
incomes is about 5 per cent. The yearly increase of wages, pensions
and social benefits, of course, improves the well-being of the people.
We are successfully addressing the problems of the internally
displaced people ` our compatriots who are in the most difficult
situation. Every year more than 20,000 persons are provided with new
homes. This year major funds were allocated for this purpose. We are
gradually resolving this issue as well.
But unfortunately the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over
Nagorno-Karabakh has not been resolved this year either. The reason
for this is the criminal and bloodthirsty regime of Armenia. Armenia
does not want peace. All of its efforts are aimed either at not
holding the negotiations or at conducting them for the sake of
imitation. This year the mediators were more active - we have to
acknowledge that. The leaders of Russia, USA and France held
consecutive trilateral meetings in August, September and October. I
appreciate that and am grateful to these countries. However, Armenia
acted insincerely at these meetings. Moreover, less than two weeks
after the Paris meeting it began a large-scale military exercise on
occupied territories. The exercises pursued only one goal - to provoke
Azerbaijan, to commit an act of sabotage and undermine the process of
negotiations. We observed the same in the summer months when Armenian
sabotage groups attacked Azerbaijani positions. But the Azerbaijani
army gave them a fitting rebuff, killing more than 50 occupants.
Similar events took place at the end of this year. And again, the
Azerbaijani army gave an adequate response to the enemy. The occupying
state should know that a strong Azerbaijani army may restore the
territorial integrity of our country at any time. We still hope that
the negotiating process can produce a positive result, and there are
many factors enhancing this hope. We have political power, economic
potential and a powerful army. Next year, about $5 billion will be
spent on the development of our army, twice the total budget of the
impoverished Armenia.
The Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh can be
resolved only on the basis of norms and principles of international
law. UN Security Council resolutions must be implemented. The
occupying forces must withdraw from the occupied Azerbaijani lands and
the territorial integrity of our country must be restored. These are
the basic principles. On the basis of these principles we are ready to
sign any agreement.
This year was declared the "Year of Industry" in Azerbaijan. As you
know, our industrial capacity increases with every year. Azerbaijan
has made tremendous progress in this area, and the work done in this
area this year is no exception. Thus, this year we opened more than
230 new industrial enterprises, which had a positive effect on the
elimination of unemployment and the development of our export
potential. We are already providing ourselves with basic food
commodities. We want to see a similar picture on the market of
building materials, and we are getting closer to achieving this goal.
As you know, this is the essence and the main objective of the state
program on the socioeconomic development of regions.
At the same time, Azerbaijan has made significant investments in high
technology, and this year became memorable in this regard. This year
Azerbaijan acquired its second satellite. In November this satellite
was handed over to Azerbaijan. So we have two satellites now:
"Azerspace" and "Azersky". What makes "Azersky" special ` only 20
countries in the world have such a satellite today ` is that it
observes the earth with high precision. Thus, we are fully providing
for Azerbaijan's national interests, our security-related interests.
At the same time, we are developing our space industry.
Serious fight is waged against corruption and bribery. A special role
in this area belongs to the `ASAN xidmÉ't' service. We have already
created seven centers. 3.5 million applications have been made to
these centers. `ASAN xidmÉ't' plays a special role in the field of
public services and in the fight against corruption and bribery. If we
consider that this service was established only two years ago, we can
see how much progress we have achieved. Serious fight against
corruption and bribery will be waged in the future. We will apply
penalties, administrative measures and systemic actions.
Azerbaijan is known worldwide as a center of multiculturalism. This
year I signed an executive order on the establishment of the
international centre for multiculturalism. Azerbaijan's unique role is
widely appreciated in the world. Azerbaijan is a bridge between
civilizations. From geographic, politically and all other points of
view, Azerbaijan is a unique country. Our experience is being studied.
I am sure that if Azerbaijan's experience is applied in other
countries, inter-religious and inter-ethnic issues there will also be
addressed in a healthy manner.
On 20 September of this year, we celebrated the 20th anniversary of
the "Contract of the Century". It is quite symbolic that on 20
September 2014 we laid the foundation for the Southern Gas Corridor.
The Southern Gas Corridor is the largest infrastructure project in
Europe. Azerbaijan has once again demonstrated its leadership
qualities in the implementation of this giant transnational project.
It is thanks to energy policy Azerbaijan has pursued over the years
and our strong policy that this major project is already being
implemented. `Shah Deniz-2', TANAP and TAP are unique and
irreplaceable projects for Azerbaijan. For years and decades they will
ensure our national economic and political interests. As in the area
of international cooperation, Azerbaijan took the lead in this
project, and we will fulfill this mission with dignity.
Dear friends, it is the Day of Solidarity of Azerbaijanis of the World
today. I am sure that all Azerbaijanis of the world are rightly proud
of the fact that there is a strong and independent state of Azerbaijan
today. Independence is the greatest asset and treasure for us. We have
been independent and pursuing an independent policy for 23 years. This
independent policy is based on national interests and national values.
It provides for the current realities of Azerbaijan. Today, Azerbaijan
is a dynamic and rapidly developing country. Azerbaijan is a country
that successfully goes down the path of democracy, freedom,
independence, progress and development. I am sure that all
Azerbaijanis of the world are proud that there is a country such as
Azerbaijan on the world map, a country that speaks and will speak its
word. Our successful development will be provided in the future.
I heartily congratulate all Azerbaijanis on the Day of Solidarity of
Azerbaijanis of the World and the New Year holidays. I wish every
Azerbaijani family happiness, prosperity and continued successes.
Happy Holidays!'
http://news.az/articles/official/94695
From: Baghdasarian
Fri 02 January 2015 11:12 GMT | 11:12 Local Time
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev congratulated world Azerbaijanis
on Solidarity Day and New Year.
The president's message reads as follows:
`Dear ladies and gentlemen!
My fellow countrymen!
2014 is being left in the past. 2014 was a successful year for our
country. We have successfully completed all the tasks facing the
country, provided for a dynamic development of our country and further
strengthened our international position. Azerbaijan is recognized
worldwide as a reliable partner and our influence opportunities are
expanding.
As you know, in 2012-2013 Azerbaijan was represented in the world's
most influential organization, the UN Security Council. We won this
right with the support of 155 countries. And this year Azerbaijan
chaired the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, making a
valuable contribution to the development of democracy and protection
of human rights in Europe.
We have established equitable relations with all countries and have
good cooperation with neighboring and all other countries. Our
bilateral relations are developing. At the same time, Azerbaijan is
playing a positive role in the multilateral format. In particular,
Azerbaijan's role in regional development is also undeniable. Not a
single project can be implemented in the region without the
participation of Azerbaijan ` be it political, economic, energy or any
other.
In 2014 economic development was ensured. This is also very important
because, as you know, the world is still undergoing a financial and
economic crisis. Despite all this, the Azerbaijani economy is
developing successfully, and this development is underpinned by our
reforms. It is no coincidence that the world's most influential
economic structure, the Davos World Economic Forum, ranks Azerbaijan
in 38th place in terms of competitiveness. This is a great and
historic achievement.
The development of the non-oil sector remains a priority for us. I am
glad that this year our non-oil sector grew by almost 7 per cent.
Investments worth $27 billion were made in the country's economy. This
is also a very important event because there is a struggle for the
attraction of investment in the world. In Azerbaijan, investments are
at a high level. I am sure that it will also be the case next year.
The rate of poverty and unemployment is 5 per cent. This is a great
indicator on a global scale. The foreign debt accounts for only 8 per
cent of our gross domestic product. This is also a unique indicator.
The macroeconomic situation is stable. Our foreign exchange reserves
exceed $50 billion. The rate of the manat remains stable.
You are well aware that due to the decline in oil prices in the world,
including our region, certain tensions are being experienced.
Azerbaijan is an island of stability, a model country. Our country
provides and will continue to provide both political and economic
stability. The Azerbaijani people will live in safety, and the
well-being of our people will improve every year. The social policy
has always been the main objective for us. This year, we invested
heavily in the creation of the social infrastructure in Azerbaijan,
built and repaired more than 60 medical institutions, 50 schools and
kindergartens. I am sure that these positive developments will be
continued next year as well.
In Azerbaijan, inflation is 1.4 per cent, and the growth of population
incomes is about 5 per cent. The yearly increase of wages, pensions
and social benefits, of course, improves the well-being of the people.
We are successfully addressing the problems of the internally
displaced people ` our compatriots who are in the most difficult
situation. Every year more than 20,000 persons are provided with new
homes. This year major funds were allocated for this purpose. We are
gradually resolving this issue as well.
But unfortunately the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over
Nagorno-Karabakh has not been resolved this year either. The reason
for this is the criminal and bloodthirsty regime of Armenia. Armenia
does not want peace. All of its efforts are aimed either at not
holding the negotiations or at conducting them for the sake of
imitation. This year the mediators were more active - we have to
acknowledge that. The leaders of Russia, USA and France held
consecutive trilateral meetings in August, September and October. I
appreciate that and am grateful to these countries. However, Armenia
acted insincerely at these meetings. Moreover, less than two weeks
after the Paris meeting it began a large-scale military exercise on
occupied territories. The exercises pursued only one goal - to provoke
Azerbaijan, to commit an act of sabotage and undermine the process of
negotiations. We observed the same in the summer months when Armenian
sabotage groups attacked Azerbaijani positions. But the Azerbaijani
army gave them a fitting rebuff, killing more than 50 occupants.
Similar events took place at the end of this year. And again, the
Azerbaijani army gave an adequate response to the enemy. The occupying
state should know that a strong Azerbaijani army may restore the
territorial integrity of our country at any time. We still hope that
the negotiating process can produce a positive result, and there are
many factors enhancing this hope. We have political power, economic
potential and a powerful army. Next year, about $5 billion will be
spent on the development of our army, twice the total budget of the
impoverished Armenia.
The Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh can be
resolved only on the basis of norms and principles of international
law. UN Security Council resolutions must be implemented. The
occupying forces must withdraw from the occupied Azerbaijani lands and
the territorial integrity of our country must be restored. These are
the basic principles. On the basis of these principles we are ready to
sign any agreement.
This year was declared the "Year of Industry" in Azerbaijan. As you
know, our industrial capacity increases with every year. Azerbaijan
has made tremendous progress in this area, and the work done in this
area this year is no exception. Thus, this year we opened more than
230 new industrial enterprises, which had a positive effect on the
elimination of unemployment and the development of our export
potential. We are already providing ourselves with basic food
commodities. We want to see a similar picture on the market of
building materials, and we are getting closer to achieving this goal.
As you know, this is the essence and the main objective of the state
program on the socioeconomic development of regions.
At the same time, Azerbaijan has made significant investments in high
technology, and this year became memorable in this regard. This year
Azerbaijan acquired its second satellite. In November this satellite
was handed over to Azerbaijan. So we have two satellites now:
"Azerspace" and "Azersky". What makes "Azersky" special ` only 20
countries in the world have such a satellite today ` is that it
observes the earth with high precision. Thus, we are fully providing
for Azerbaijan's national interests, our security-related interests.
At the same time, we are developing our space industry.
Serious fight is waged against corruption and bribery. A special role
in this area belongs to the `ASAN xidmÉ't' service. We have already
created seven centers. 3.5 million applications have been made to
these centers. `ASAN xidmÉ't' plays a special role in the field of
public services and in the fight against corruption and bribery. If we
consider that this service was established only two years ago, we can
see how much progress we have achieved. Serious fight against
corruption and bribery will be waged in the future. We will apply
penalties, administrative measures and systemic actions.
Azerbaijan is known worldwide as a center of multiculturalism. This
year I signed an executive order on the establishment of the
international centre for multiculturalism. Azerbaijan's unique role is
widely appreciated in the world. Azerbaijan is a bridge between
civilizations. From geographic, politically and all other points of
view, Azerbaijan is a unique country. Our experience is being studied.
I am sure that if Azerbaijan's experience is applied in other
countries, inter-religious and inter-ethnic issues there will also be
addressed in a healthy manner.
On 20 September of this year, we celebrated the 20th anniversary of
the "Contract of the Century". It is quite symbolic that on 20
September 2014 we laid the foundation for the Southern Gas Corridor.
The Southern Gas Corridor is the largest infrastructure project in
Europe. Azerbaijan has once again demonstrated its leadership
qualities in the implementation of this giant transnational project.
It is thanks to energy policy Azerbaijan has pursued over the years
and our strong policy that this major project is already being
implemented. `Shah Deniz-2', TANAP and TAP are unique and
irreplaceable projects for Azerbaijan. For years and decades they will
ensure our national economic and political interests. As in the area
of international cooperation, Azerbaijan took the lead in this
project, and we will fulfill this mission with dignity.
Dear friends, it is the Day of Solidarity of Azerbaijanis of the World
today. I am sure that all Azerbaijanis of the world are rightly proud
of the fact that there is a strong and independent state of Azerbaijan
today. Independence is the greatest asset and treasure for us. We have
been independent and pursuing an independent policy for 23 years. This
independent policy is based on national interests and national values.
It provides for the current realities of Azerbaijan. Today, Azerbaijan
is a dynamic and rapidly developing country. Azerbaijan is a country
that successfully goes down the path of democracy, freedom,
independence, progress and development. I am sure that all
Azerbaijanis of the world are proud that there is a country such as
Azerbaijan on the world map, a country that speaks and will speak its
word. Our successful development will be provided in the future.
I heartily congratulate all Azerbaijanis on the Day of Solidarity of
Azerbaijanis of the World and the New Year holidays. I wish every
Azerbaijani family happiness, prosperity and continued successes.
Happy Holidays!'
http://news.az/articles/official/94695
From: Baghdasarian