Dear ladies and gentlemen!

Dear visitors!

I cordially congratulate all of you on the occasion of the Republic Day. I wish the whole Azerbaijani people peace, tranquility and happiness. Establishment in 1918 of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was a historical event. For the first time in the Islamic country the Democratic Republic was created, and Azerbaijani people began to live independently. But, as you know, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic existed not for long - two years later the Republic has fallen. Our people appreciate very highly the activity of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic and its founders. But falling of Republic showed that to maintain and defend independence is much more difficult than to gain it. The modern history of Azerbaijan confirmed it once again in the beginning of 1990s.

In 1991, after collapse of the Soviet Union, Azerbaijan like the Union’s all other republics, has gained state independence. But we all remember well how crucial those years were for Azerbaijan. In fact, after gaining independence, Azerbaijan’s destiny, its very existence as a state, was under in jeopardy. As a result of negative processes taking place in the country - economic recession, political, military and economic crisis, civil confrontation, Armenia’s aggression against Azerbaijan and its heavy consequences - our independence was jeopardized. The future of Azerbaijan as an independent country was questioned. However, having appealed in 1993 to great leader Heydar Aliyev to invite him to power in Azerbaijan, the people of Azerbaijan saved the country from disaster.

The history of Azerbaijan from 1993 till the present testifies that our country has been intensively developing in all spheres. However, the ordeals our country faced in 1993 had very negative impact on all spheres of life. Of course, it was great political experience, skills and courage that was required to eliminate consequences of the slump, and achieve stability. And it was resoluteness of great leader Heydar Aliyev, his political wisdom, worldwide reputation, courage and experience, as well as Azerbaijani people’s support of Heydar Aliyev’s policy, that today turned Azerbaijan into one of the most dynamically and rapidly developing countries of not only region, but the world. Let's look at the situation in 1993, and compare it with today’s development in Azerbaijan. Not only we, but those working together with us, the heads of states and governments, honorable guests regularly visiting Azerbaijan, eyewitness and highly appreciate it. Wonderful horizons and great prospects are opened today before Azerbaijan. Our country is strengthening its position in the region; our successes are conditioned by prevailing stability, civil unity and solidarity in the country. Heydar Aliyev’s policy continues to live in Azerbaijan, it is getting stronger and enriched with new forms, because life does not stop, we face new problems and challenges. Situation in the region, processes taking place in the world, the policy of Azerbaijan’s integration into the world community, globalization tendencies - all these factors, certainly concern Azerbaijan too. Azerbaijan is not only a participant of all of these processes, but also is the initiator of some extremely important issues, projects, large-scale businesses, and is already becoming a leading force. All these events occur not by themselves. It is we who ensure all this. The policy pursued by Azerbaijani leadership, and people’s support of our policy, naturally, even more strengthen our positions. In the country, reforms both in political and economic spheres are being carried out decisively. I am absolutely convinced, that political and economic reforms, economic progress and processes of democratization should supplement each other, and be carried out in parallel. Otherwise, successes will be temporary.

Unless the economic situation in the country improves, unless our economic plans are implemented, then of course, the complete building democratic society in Azerbaijan will be out of the question, because in economically backward countries - we can tell it again looking at the experience of other countries - the processes of democratization run very slowly. At the same time, if we focus on economic issues only and achieve stability of economic growth but if our social control is weak and political institutions does not strengthen in the country, then our economic successes will be temporary. We watch the processes tasking place in the world. We are well-aware of history too. We also study experience of the developed countries and we can see where there is development, where there are many problems. We can see that presence of rich natural resources does not mean at all that the country will achieve great successes.

I repeat, unless the processes of democratization run rapidly in the society, unless the civil society - in true sense of the word - is created, and supremacy of law is established, then all our economic prospects will not be realized in full measure.

Therefore, my opinion is that - as Azerbaijan’s experience proves - we are developing in right direction, and political reforms are being implemented very rapidly in the country. This was confirmed by the last parliamentary elections. Results of the November elections fully reflected the will of the Azerbaijani people. It was also confirmed and by "exit-poll" conducted by the international organizations. Official results were 90 percent agreed with those of the exit-poll. It is a high parameter. Where fraud took place, strict measures were taken against responsible persons, they were punished.

At the same time, results of elections in some districts were cancelled, and re-run of the elections was conducted. As you know, results of exit-poll conducted by authoritative international structures on re-elections this month 100 percent agreed with official results. It proves once again that it is possible in Azerbaijan to conduct fair and transparent elections. It was a resulted of activities of the Azerbaijani people and government in this direction. In economic field, Azerbaijan is the world’s most intensively developing country. Not only macroeconomic parameters but also our citizens’ everyday life demonstrates it. Of course, achievement of 40 percent GDP growth is a record parameter. At the same time, the January-April’s 50 percent growth of industrial production is, of course, the factor, which gives a powerful impulse to economic and industrial development of Azerbaijan. Various projects are being carried out in our country, and all of the adopted programs are rather concrete. We are very far from sloganeering. I think that each program should have specific targets, executors, mechanisms of control, should have financial sources too. Therefore, both programs of social and economic development of regions and social and economic development of Baku suburbs, and the program of development of Baku road infrastructure are being carried out. Owing to it, 380 thousand new workplaces have been opened in our country for last two years. We know that this is only the beginning. In the future, it is planned to open hundreds of thousands new jobs in Azerbaijan, that, in turn, will serve elimination of unemployment, and drastic decrease in number of people living in poverty. As you know, poverty level in Azerbaijan has fallen to 20 percent over the past two years. It is a big success achieved for a short period of time. At the same time, it, of course, does not give the reason to relax, and weaken the attention to the matter. Not a single poor man or jobless should remain in Azerbaijan. Who wants to work, should of course be provided with work. There are also those who do not want to work, and one can meet such people in any country. Other important projects are infrastructure projects. In fact, today it is necessary to determine the long-term development of Azerbaijan. Processes of industrialization should go faster. The big attention is given to development of non-oil sector. For this purpose, there is, of course, the necessity to create power infrastructure. Today, in various regions of Azerbaijan 6 new modern power stations with general capacity of 1000 MW are under construction. If to take into account that total capacity of stations, which have been operating in Azerbaijan so far, was nearly 4000-4500 MW, you can make sure what a great progress has been achieve in this field for a short period time. It will allow us to achieve even more intensive development of the industry in Azerbaijan and successful solution of energy security issues. As you know, today in the world, energy security issues are brought to the forefront from both economic and political standpoints. Azerbaijan has performed its work. The successful carried out oil strategy of Azerbaijan started on the initiative of great leader Heydar Aliyev in 1994, today yields fruit.

Azerbaijan should first provide completely and will provide its own needs. At the same time, Azerbaijan is going to deliver energy carriers to the world and European markets. Great work is being carried out in this direction. We know it well. I wish to note once again, that Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil and Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum gas pipelines are global projects. Today, they are the world's largest energy projects, and Azerbaijan is initiator, executor and leader of the given projects. Today everyone knows and realizes it, and importance of Azerbaijan as a regional country rises day by day. We can see it in everyday life. I see it during numerous official visits, during visits of heads of states and governments to Azerbaijan, in mutual relations. Now, interest towards Azerbaijan is growing rather quickly, and today, much depends on country’s stance and views. Serious consultations in various areas are carried out with us. In a number of the international organizations, the position of Azerbaijan is dominant. And it is necessary for us to take advantage of it. Our task is to completely ensure and defend national interests of the Azerbaijani people, protect Azerbaijan against risks, defend our country, strengthen stability, contribute to regional security measures, and thereby minimize the risks surrounding us, because it is the processes taking place in the country, stability that define our life. However, we live not in an island, and we have neighbors. Therefore, effective relations with the neighboring states, the links established on the basis of mutual trust and respect, bring today the positive results. Everybody already recognizes it. The position and policy of Azerbaijan are independent. We build our policy only in accordance with national interests of the Azerbaijani people. Pursuing independent policy, of course, promote strengthening of our positions both in the country and abroad. I repeatedly spoke, and I wish to repeat today: independence is measured not only by a state’s attributes. Independence means that the country can carry out fully independent policy. I do not want to cite other examples. They are known well. There are countries that for certain reasons are not able to carry out independent policy; in some of them there is lack of opportunities, in others necessary measures ate not taken. In this sense, Azerbaijan is a country standing on its own feet. Our problem, our duty, the duty of the whole Azerbaijani people is to continue to strengthen these positive tendencies. There are all opportunities to reach the goal.

Azerbaijan has deliberate and comprehensive concept of economic development, which today is being implemented. Our foreign policy is unambiguous, and it is not and cannot be subjected to any external influence. Processes of democratization taking place in the country are highly appreciated in the world, and the developed countries. But, first of all, it is highly appreciated by the people of Azerbaijan.

Ethnic and religious tolerance prevailing in Azerbaijan is already studied in the world as a pattern. In particular, we can hear today that the dialogue among civilizations is a matter of comprehensive discussions. But, as a matter of fact, we can see more and more conflicts or collisions occurring on national and religious ground.

Experience of Azerbaijan should be studied, and it is not casually, that a number of international organizations hold here scientific-practical conferences on the problem. This means that it is our life style, and it is our policy. But we also see that the situation is not the same in other places. Our strength is in unity. Therefore, the work in both economic and political spheres and our foreign policy is pursued in deliberate manner. As a balanced policy, it has already been proved to be successful. Large projects, development of the country, infrastructure projects, opening of workplaces, construction of new roads - today, new airports are being constructed in three cities of Azerbaijan, and their construction will finish in the near future. Strong enough and modern transport infrastructure is being created. Azerbaijan is the natural bridge between Europe and Asia. But this bridge will become really solid only when we provide it with infrastructure. That is why, so great attention is paid to this sphere. I wish to note once again, that foreign policy of Azerbaijan is a continuation of our internal policy, and serves protection of our national interests. We have very effective business relations with foreign states. For the last two years, the President of the Azerbaijan Republic has paid official visits to five states - permanent members of the United Nations Security Council - that points to success of our foreign policy. Azerbaijan is a small country, by both territory and population. My official visits to the five leading countries, on the one hand, demonstrate Azerbaijan’s position in the world, and on the other hand, allow us to achieve further strengthening of our relations with the world’s leading countries, which are very effective and based on mutual interests and respect. One might say that there is no a country Azerbaijan faces problems with. We try to establish and strengthen kind relations with all countries, the large states, our partners. We have very good relations with neighboring states. I’d like to note once again that we live in this region. It is very sensitive region, and it is still necessary to toughen security measures. In the region are certain threats, and we should express our attitude and stance towards those dangers. In some cases - their number gradually increases - our stance can influence on decision-making. In this case, it will be only a positive influence. This influence will only contribute to regional cooperation and strengthening security measures. As you know, the unresolved conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia is the basic source of danger not only for us, but also for entire region as we take huge efforts for cooperation in region, the projects concerning oil and gas mains, railway transportation, construction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway. Recently I talked about it with presidents and prime ministers of Georgia and Turkey. Azerbaijan today is ready to accept financial pledges to start this work. All these positive opportunities are under big threat as the greatest threat in region is the continuing aggression of Armenia against Azerbaijan, and more than 1 million Azerbaijanis who as a result of the aggression became refugees and IDPs. Our citizens were subjected to policy of ethnic cleaning. As you know, acts of ethnic cleaning are a question, which is most subjected to criticism and reproaches all over the world. But, unfortunately, no sanctions imposed against Armenia for its policy of ethnic cleaning. Recently the Armenians have marked “release” of Shusha. One may asks, from whom they released Shusha? From Azerbaijanis? Nobody lived there except for Azerbaijanis. Armenians made only 5-10 percent. This means that Armenia marks the results of the policy of ethnic cleaning at a state level. Why does the progressive world shut its eyes to it? Why do the international organizations, states and non-governmental organizations, including forces inside the country shouting about democracy and human rights, not give their voice? Why do they shut their eyes to it? It once again testifies that we should count only on our own force. The policy pursued over the last years in Azerbaijan, and the corner stone of this policy is that we are creating such a force. Powerful economy, strong foreign policy, strengthening of our positions in region, realization of oil-and-gas projects and transformation of Azerbaijan as the state possessing energy reserves, into a country important for Europe and world, as well as army building - all this make our positions much stronger. We participate in peace talks. You know, I declared that we remain committed to peace talks until there are chances for peaceful settlement of the conflict. But how much longer will we be patient? How much longer will the Armenian party with its non-constructive position cast shadow on the preliminary arrangements reached at the negotiations? They are probably not interested in settlement of the problem.

But let them think thoroughly. Let them look forward and see that today the gap is widening between Azerbaijan and Armenia in economic, military and all other areas. This year, our budget has already reached 4 billion 500 million dollars. In the following year, it will increase even more, and in the long term Armenia will be able in no way to compete with Azerbaijan. And what will it result in? How much longer the Azerbaijani people will suffer from that? Our patience has its limit. Speaking about it, I don’t intend to intimidate anybody. Or, some say this is a military rhetoric.

Our lands are under occupation, and therefore, we of course demand from Armenia first to leave the occupied territories on its own accord. Let the Azerbaijanis, our citizens who have been suffering from the policy of ethnic cleansing for more than 10 years, return to their home lands. This is their natural right. This is a humanitarian right. It is our land, Nagorno-Karabakh is our land, and we all know when Armenians settled down there - in the beginning of the 19th century. In 1978 they erected there a monument marking the 150 anniversary of their move. Today, the monument does not exist; they have destroyed it. It is the fact, they came there as visitors. Okay, they came as visitors, let them live there. We do not have problems with local population living there. Simply, invaders should leave unconditionally all the grasped lands. I believe and am convinced that we will do achieve this goal, solution to the problem will be found. Azerbaijan is getting stronger and stronger. We shall use all opportunities - political, diplomatic, economic, transport and if needed, the military opportunities. It is our right. Nobody needs war. Who can wish bloodshed and people’s death? But on the other hand, if negotiations will remain ineffectual, what is our choice then? We shall not have any choice. Therefore, the matter is already taking a very serious turn. I ‘d like to repeat once again that the latest visit to Azerbaijan by the Minsk Group co-chairmen, the visit by high-ranking diplomats, the talks give hope for peaceful settlement.

As long as such opportunities are not exhausted, Azerbaijan will use them. But we will never allow the second Armenian state to appear in the Azerbaijani land, and will never allow Nagorno-Karabakh to be separated from Azerbaijan! Dear friends, this holiday I‘d like to emphasize once again that solution to the basic problems of our country are found. Of course, the country has serious problems. Unemployment, poverty, in some cases social injustice, violations of law, official arbitrariness, corruption, and bribery - all this exist. We are aware of it, and we are fighting against it. We are trying that the problems, which disturb our society, our citizens be eliminated, and the people live better, and receive higher wages and pensions. You know how many hospitals and schools are being constructed in Azerbaijan. All this is being done for people. I want to repeat that we shall do have huge opportunities, bright future. Putting the oil pipeline in operation is expected to provide inflow of large amount of currency, which, first of all, will go to solution of all social problems of Azerbaijan. In a word, the sustainable and successful development of our country is already a reality, the truth. It’s up to us to use these great opportunities as effectively as possible, to strengthen our country, to improve people’s standard of living, to make their life richer, and to turn Azerbaijan into a powerful regional state.

Let me congratulate you again on this great holiday. I wish you health and successes.

Thank you.