-Addresses “New vision for South Caucasus: Post-conflict development and cooperation” conference
BAKU: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has participated in the “New vision for South Caucasus: Post-conflict development and cooperation” international conference held at ADA University.
The third session of the said event was held in Baku, Azerbaijan on Tuesday. The conference was jointly organized by ADA University and the Center of Analysis of International Relations, Azerbaijan.
His Excellency Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan chaired the session and addressed the participants of the International Conference. 30 participants from 10 countries participated and Pakistan was represented by Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad, Pakistan.
His Excellency Ilham Aliyev highlighted the devastating atrocities committed by Armenia in the occupied lands, he mentioned that the destruction caused by Armenia was beyond imagination. The President also emphasized that Azerbaijan took care of all people left behind by Armenia in the newly liberated areas.
The President said they need to look into the future, adding that “We allowed Russian Gazprom to transport natural gas to Armenia through Azerbaijani territory due to repairs work on Russian territory. We could’ve said no, but we said yes. We allow Armenians to use 21 km of our road in Zangilan and Gubadli districts, which is a road situated on Azerbaijani territory, but was used by Armenians. We allowed it, we didn’t block it. Did they allow us to move one meter to the territories which were occupied during the war? No”.
“So these are all unilateral steps, and it’s not only gesture, this is a deliberate policy of turning page of the war, President Aliyev said.
“We will never forget, but at the same time, we need to look into the future. We expect more activity from civil society of Armenia. Because neither the government, nor the opposition today will not afford them to say not positive but even neutral word about Azerbaijan. Because there’s a concept of Azerbaijanophobia. It’s decades of cultivation of hatred against Azerbaijanis,” the head of state said. “I think they should find courage, and start telling the truth to the Armenian people, because the war is already history, the conflict is resolved, and we need to look into the future,” Azerbaijani president said.
During the interactive session, Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram appreciated the visionary leadership of His Excellency Ilham Aliyev and congratulated him andthe Azerbaijan armed forces for their historic victory against Armenia & liberation of occupied lands.
Rector of the ADA University, Ambassador Hafiz Pashayev made opening remarks at the conference which is attended by representatives of world’s leading think tanks.
The head of state made a speech at the conference. The event continued with discussions, comments and Q&A session. – PR
