I extend my sincere greetings to you, representatives and guests of the first international Congress of the Ahiska Turks and wish all of you my heartfelt felicitations.

The Ahiska Turks have many times tested bitter ordeals of history. In the former soviet empire, the Ahiska Turks also have undergone national discrimination and deportation policy as several other peoples, and caused heavy sequences. In November 1944, on the secret decision of the repressive regime, some 86 thousands Ahiska Turks were exiled from their historical-ethnic native lands to Central Asia and Kazakhstan. Implementing this criminal action, all men of Ahiska Turks that could take arms were battling against the German fascists in the Great Patriotic war. The old, the women and the children underwent national catastrophe. Thousands of Ahiska Turks were deported and have died on the way from hunger, cold diseases.

In 1956, though the control regime was eliminated in special camps of Ahiska Turks, historical justice was not restored and the Ahiska Turks were banned to return to their homelands. In this condition, Azerbaijan became the second Motherland for the Ahiska Turks and in 1958-1960s about 20 thousands of Ahiska Turks were resettled in the Saatli, Sabirabad, Guba, Khachmaz, Agstafa and Gazakh districts of Azerbaijan. In a few time, with the care of Azerbaijan people and industrious hands of local people many settlements and villages were built for them.

National leader of Azerbaijan people Heydar Aliyev has always been sensitive towards the destiny of Ahiska Turks, their problems and gave high assessment to their will, fortitude, industriousness and adherence to historical-ethnic root. Just thanks to his care and attention, in the 70-80s of the last century, the settlements and villages where the Ahiska Turks lived experience a development period, the toilers were conferred with prizes, their education, health, socio-cultural development was guaranteed. National originality of the Ahiska Turks, preservation of their customs and traditions, language and culture was provided. State of Azerbaijan continues its policy in this direction.

Speaking of the bitter destiny of Ahiska Turks, it is not impossible not to remember the developments in Fergana in 1989. The former communist regime, under the pretext of perestroika, pursued the policy of discrimination with more severe ways and as a result of insidious action of the former USSR leadership has caused new national tragedies of the nations, including the Ahiska Turks.

It is impossible to imagine the people of Azerbaijan apart from the Ahiska Turks. Common historical-ethnic origin, commonness of joy and sorrow has historically combined us. In XIX-XX, the Ahiska Turks, intelligentsia, men of literature and art have undeniable contributions in the socio-political, literary-cultural life of Azerbaijan. With a feeling of gratitude I note the heroism of those Ahiska youth who courageously fought for liberation of Karabakh lands and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.

Dear Congress participants,

It is the natural and inviolable right of every person and every people to live in the lands of his ancestors, in the historical-ethnic native lands. State of Azerbaijan respectfully treats the will and desire of Ahiska Turks to return to their historical Motherland and adheres settlement of the problem on the principles of international law and in mutual understanding. I hope the Congress will discuss the existing reality in the region and taking into account the sensitive ethno-political situation, and adopt just and objective decisions.

I wish you success in this honorable way.

Ilham Aliyev,

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

City of Baku, 30 June 2004.