Islamabad (Adnan Hameed): The Embassy of Azerbaijan in Islamabad solemnly commemorates Victory Day, a day of profound reverence and gratitude, marking the liberation of Azerbaijani territories from Armenian occupation and the restoration of its territorial integrity.
His Excellency, Ambassador Khazar Farhadov, delivered a heartfelt speech during the event, paying tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the cause of independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
For nearly three decades, Armenia had occupied 20% of Azerbaijani territories, a period during which heinous war crimes were perpetrated, including the tragic Khojaly Genocide in 1992, resulting in the loss of countless innocent lives. Armenia’s actions also encompassed ethnic cleansing, forcibly expelling Azerbaijani populations from the occupied regions.
Despite persistent international calls for the withdrawal of Armenian troops from Azerbaijani soil, Armenia consistently disregarded United Nations Security Council resolutions and decisions from various international organizations, perpetuating the status quo.
Azerbaijan had steadfastly pursued peaceful negotiations to resolve the Karabakh conflict, yet Armenia continued to instigate hostilities during the occupation.
In 2020, Azerbaijan undertook a successful counter-offensive, liberating its territories under the resolute leadership of President Ilham Aliyev.
The conflict left Azerbaijani cities and villages in ruins, cultural and religious landmarks desecrated, and mosques defiled. In stark contrast, Azerbaijan remained committed to minimizing harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure during its military operations.
Even after the cessation of hostilities, Armenia’s military provocations persisted, resulting in further loss of life in the recently reclaimed territories. To ensure the safety of civilian populations and restore order, the Azerbaijani Army initiated local anti-terrorist measures in accordance with the Joint Trilateral Statement signed on November 10, 2020.
Ambassador Farhadov emphasized that Azerbaijan has taken significant strides towards rebuilding and revitalizing the liberated areas, allocating over $7 billion to date and plans to allocate $2.4 billion for 2024. The “Great Return” initiative is dedicated to facilitating the return of Azerbaijani Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their historical homeland, which includes a specialized reintegration portal for Armenian residents living in the Karabakh economic region.
The international community plays a pivotal role in supporting these endeavors, with the fraternal nation of Pakistan having provided unwavering moral and diplomatic support throughout the conflict.
Azerbaijan extends its profound gratitude to the Government and the people of Pakistan for their steadfast assistance.
Azerbaijan’s unwavering commitment to rebuilding and restoring its liberated territories stands as a testament to its dedication to fostering peace and stability in the region.