The Azerbaijan State News Agency

SPEECH OF PRESIDENT ILHAM ALIYEV

“Good evening,

Today we took part in several actions of certain importance for Nakhchivan, and Azerbaijan. I once again became witness that Nakhchivan develops, and enormous works are carried out here. Economic potential of the Republic is strengthening, and open new enterprises, factories, working places, and at the same time, the measures of social character have acquired larger scope. This pleases me very much. Development of Azerbaijan bases just on this: strengthening of economic potential and solutions of social problems. In both fields, have been achieved notable accomplishments, and I cordially congratulate you with this.

I came here more than year back and I see many alterations, which have occurred for this period: new constructions, the modern buildings constructed with very high taste, works of accomplishment and creation. Certainly, each of you has enclosed work in achievement of such big successes of the Republic living in conditions of blockade.

In particular, I want to congratulate in this connection head of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic Vasif Talibov, to express him my gratitude. It is noted not only by me, but also everyone coming in Nakhchivan as a visitor, each foreign delegation, each citizen. It very much pleases me. I am confident, that further these fine works will be continued.

These years, future prospects Nakhchivan were defined. All of us know, that the national leader of our people always showed great attention and care for Nakhchivan. On his initiative, there were these grandiose, large projects. Certainly, all of us should aspire to that, use the best efforts that Nakhchivan became more modern, rich, and that the powerful potential here has been created.

Today I marked, that in development of each region the role of energy carriers is the most important. From this point of view, 2005-2006s become here years of fundamental change. Introduction in the next year in building additional capacities in volume 140-150 megawatt is big achievement. I can tell, that as a whole, for last years, approximately for 5-6 years, additional capacities in volume of 500-600 megawatt have been put into operation. And in Nakhchivan, there will be 140-150 megawatt for one year. Submission here of natural gas by exchange with Iran is both of social, and economic significance. At the same time, I have given instruction to construct in Nakhchivan two asphalt factories and put necessary technical equipment for roads construction. On the given question, there are my corresponding orders, means are allocated, and construction of roads will to go here in higher rates. As you know, now, it is a priority question for us. In each remote village, the road should be laid. Certainly, the technical equipment is necessary for this purpose, and also means. All this is present. Today, the economy of Azerbaijan develops in the highest in the world. Our budget grows. Naturally, the charges allocated on all infra-structural projects increase. The charges allocated on the social purposes increase. Pensions and other wages rise. Another question important for Nakhchivan is a normal functioning air bridge with other territory of Azerbaijan. In some cases, the nature also brings corrective amendments in the given question. For example, today and I was late somewhere at 3 o'clock. As weather was foggy, the plane could not take off. But it is certainly, the law of the nature. It is the fact, that with strengthening of social and economic development in Azerbaijan, including in Nakhchivan, naturally, should grow and amount of flights. As I am provided, now are carried out 4 flights a day. I have given instruction to increase number of these flights. Today I have given the instruction to the general director of the State Concern “Azerbaijan Hava Yollari” to consider the given question. He has told, that the question was already solved.

Today both in the Shahbuz region, and in the city of Nakhchivan, opening ceremonies and stone laying of objects of social infrastructure have been carried out. This is fine phenomenon, the parameter of the common development. In Nakhchivan, the new Medical - Diagnostic Center adequate with advanced standards will be constructed. And in Shahbuz, in the remote mountain village the beautiful school has been constructed, today we have opened it. The Youth Center, the Book House - all this very much pleases me. Once again I want to tell, that it is the sign of development.

In all regions of Azerbaijan, there is development. For maintenance of it, we have approved and we carry out very effective programs. Certainly, there are also new problems. As in any program, it is impossible to cover all questions. Programs have conceptual character, but at the same time, naturally, forthcoming concrete works are in them. However, the life goes ahead - there appear new problems, and new nuances demanding solution. Therefore, I would like, that at today's meeting, we have discussed it and have, in case of need, undertaken necessary steps for realization of extra measures.

Probably, you remember, in September of the last year we have discussed a question on submission of gas in Nakhchivan. Earlier, somewhere a month ago, the contract has been signed between Iran and us. We have immediately held here meeting, “Azerigas”, and the local bodies were given certain instructions, and within one year we have achieved it. Now, after a 15-years break, delivery of natural gas in Nakhchivan began.

You also know, that to all consumers were given free-of-charge, as a gift, gas cookers - both the multi-storied buildings, and individual houses. Reporting me, the chairman of “Azergas” has told, that such requests, references have been made. I have answered him: necessarily solve this question.

At that meeting, we discussed delivery of gas, and I remember well that I said this is the first phase. The first phase includes that we achieved delivery of gas to the earlier gasified houses and settlements, villages. And then, in the second phase, the non-gasified settlements will be gasified. Today we, it is possible to tell, have finished the first stage. Therefore, now, there comes the second phase. And then, the third stage will be executed. Thus, all inhabitants of the Autonomous Republic will be provided with natural gas. Therefore, today we should discuss this question.

In a word, all the carried out work, the achieved successes once again testify that we on a correct way. It is confirmed once again by the work carried out in Nakhchivan, the accomplishments gained here. Large-scale works on accomplishment and creation have been conducted. All of us should aspire to do the utmost to assist Nakhchivan.

As you know, I have given the instruction to all ministers not to forget the order of the great leader Heydar Aliyev. As Heydar Aliyev has instructed the following: all ministers should come on a regular basis to Nakhchivan, keep continuous connections with the management of the Autonomous Republic and perform all work required from them. But I was told there appeared some break. Therefore, I have given strict instruction to restore the given practice. All structures, the ministries should take active participation in this cause.

***

President of Azerbaijan summed up the meeting.

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