I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you with the New Year.

Azerbaijan has successfully developed in 2003. This year, our Country succeeded great accomplishments in all fields. International position of Azerbaijan has strengthened. Our cooperation with the international organizations has consolidated. Eminent achievements were gained in the bilateral relations and in regional cooperation. This enables Azerbaijan to hold stronger and worthier place among the world communities. This policy will be continued in the coming years.

In the economic field, the country has gained notable successes. The major indication of economy – the GDP has raised by 11 percent. General production growth rated 13 percent and the investment flow increases. It is not a secret that from the point of view of investment, Azerbaijan keeps the leadership not only in the region, but also in the CIS countries, the Eastern and Central Europe. On the foreign investment per capita, our country has preserved its position and strengthened. In 2003, from all the sources the County’s economy was invested at amount 3 billion 200 million USD. This process continues and enables to open new working places, new productions, and infrastructures. This tendency will go on in the years coming, vast amount of investment will be ensured.

Since 1994, in Azerbaijan the oil strategy has been successfully realizing. Initiated by Heydar Aliyev, this strategy is yielding good fruits. The major phase of the oil strategy has been already launched. Construction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan MEP successfully goes ahead and is to be completed in the new future. Huge amount of the Azerbaijani oil will be sent to the world markets. The Country’s state budget and Oil Fund will receive large amount of revenues. This, in its turn, will create favorable environment for all-round development in Azerbaijan.

There are significant successes in the social sphere, which is constantly in our focus. In 2993, we have made large steps in this field. On the Decrees of Heydar Aliyev, the welfare of 1 million 200 thousand people working in the budget-paid organizations, was improved. Their wages raised by 50 percent, while the allowances of the pensioners were raised by 40 percent. This policy will be continued in the future as well, and social programs will be realized. This is one of the priorities of our policy.

Simultaneously, live of the vulnerable and refugees and IDPs were bettered. On the Decrees of President Heydar Aliyev, a great number of refugees and IDPs were provided with houses in the newly built villages and settlements. Some month ago, we participated at opening of the settlement for refugees at the territory of Bilasuvar region. This policy will be continued. I have several times stated that one of the priorities of my activity will be to ensure the most suffering part of our population - the refugees and IDPs with normal conditions, there should not remain a single refugee camp in Azerbaijan. Relevant program for this is underway, recently it will be presented and realization of it be organized.

In 2003, Azerbaijan conducted presidential elections. This is very important event for every country. In the elections being a landmark event and determining future of the Country, the people of Azerbaijan once again demonstrated that it wants and wishes to go by the path elected ten years ago. Ten years ago, on demand of the people, Heydar Aliyev was called to leadership of Azerbaijan. Should Heydar Aliyev not come, the country would face unprecedented misfortunes. As a result of the policy pursued during these years, Azerbaijan developed in all fields, and became a strong state. Independence of Azerbaijan was everlasting and irreversible. In the 2003 presidential elections, the people of Azerbaijan again voted for this policy. I appreciate this trust. Once again taking this opportunity, I express my deep gratitude to the people of Azerbaijan for reliance and confidence on me. I once again promise that I shall validate this reliance and serve the people with dignity.

The 2003, at the same time, were a painful year for our nation and country. This year, our people have lost its leader. Our nationwide leader has passed away. This is a heavy tragedy and deep grief for all of us. But this loss should not cause disappointment. We should unite closer and closer, go along the path of Heydar Aliyev, and continue the deeds he launched, and complete them. I am confident that it will. Deep respect and consideration shown to his memory on 15 December reasserted that the people of Azerbaijan are great, and strong. We all should suffer this tragedy together. We will do, and uniting closer, we will strengthen our country. We shall go, as Heydar Aliyev wanted and wished, and I am sure this way will bring us great happiness.

The 2004 will be a significant year for our country. The ongoing arrangements will be continued. In economy, the 2004 will be a weighty year for us. This year, the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline with greater determination for the future economic potential of Azerbaijan, will be constructed and commissioned. In 2004, we shall make notable steps in realization of the Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum gas pipeline. The poverty reduction facilities will be continued. Actual measures will be undertaken in the field of opening new working places.

All these works will enable Azerbaijan to strengthen and reach higher economic level. I am convinced that we all together will achieve these goals.

Essential measures will be taken in army building. We have already notable alterations in this direction and this process will go on. Defense potential of Azerbaijan will grow. This is our strategic line. The army of Azerbaijan is strong. We shall try and I am confident we shall achieve, that this Army will become stronger and resolve all the problems it faces.

In 2004, it may begin a new phase in resolution to the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno Karabkh conflict. We hope that the OSCE Minsk Group will more seriously engage in this issue, the international community will have effective pressure on the aggressor and the justice will win. In this direction, the policy of Azerbaijan is unchangeable. I stated my opinion many times on this question, and reiterate that this conflict can find its settlement on the base of principle of territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. The occupied lands should be liberated, one million of refugees and IDPs return to their homelands. This conflict can be resolved only on these principles. We are hopeful that the world community, leading world countries, as well as the Minsk Group co-chairs will take more efficient and fair part in this question.

Dear friends,

Today is also the Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis. I extend my congratulations to you on this occasion, and call on all the Azerbaijanis over the world to solidarity and unity.

Dear countrymen,

Dear ladies and gentlemen, sisters and brothers,

The year 2003 is elapsing. Great deeds are awaiting us in the coming year I wish all of you success in these works. I wish all of you health, pleasure and family happiness.

Happy New Year!