Turkish “Todays Zaman” newspaper publishes article on national leader Heydar Aliyev
Baku, December 11 (AZERTAC). Turkey-based “Todays Zaman” newspaper has published an article entitled “Foreign policy vision of a leader” by the spokesman of the Azerbaijani Embassy in Ankara, Elsever Salmanov.
The article says “as a state, the Republic of Azerbaijan began to develop rational policies in line with its national interests when national leader Heydar Aliyev came to power in the country. In an environment in which chaos, civil war and economic difficulties prevailed and public psychology was deteriorating due to the war with Armenia, Heydar Aliyev`s coming to power had seemingly become inevitable and necessary. It occurred to all Azerbaijani people that only the national leader could save the country from its worsening situation. Prior to Heydar Aliyev`s coming to power not only did it seem impossible to restore stability in the country, but the country seemed isolated in its relations with other states, especially its neighboring countries, making it more estranged. …The Azerbaijani government faced with the challenging task of revitalizing the economy and rescuing the country from isolation by making it more active in foreign policy. However, while performing these challenging tasks, the current situation in international relations had to be carefully assessed, existing powers taken into consideration, realities faced and a strategy to prevent the emergence of insurmountable obstacles in their path adopted.”
The author says “during Heydar Aliyev`s rule, elements of multilateralism and balance started to become the pillars of foreign policy of Azerbaijan. In addition to improving relations with its close neighbors, the standing government made progress in fraternizing and integrating with other countries around the globe. Moreover, cooperation was established and developed and is being developed with international and regional organizations. The “Contract of the Century” was signed on Sept. 20, 1994, which made it possible for the people of Azerbaijan to benefit from the natural resources bestowed upon them. This agreement was one of the best things that Heydar Aliyev did for his people. Then the national leader started on the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) oil pipeline, which was considered a utopian dream project back then. Without paying any mind to the difficulties or heeding the concerns of those who voiced the idealism of this project and the obstacles and without refraining or being submissive in the face of challenges, he achieved his target. Today by means of the BTC pipeline, Azerbaijani oil is being distributed to the world market. The same pipeline serves as an effective and perfect medium in enabling the country to prosper and to bring scientific, cultural and economic development to Azerbaijan. Today, the Azerbaijani economy is one of the fastest growing economies of the world, and the country has started taking on an impetus in all economic fields.
The architect who masterminded and engineered such immense economic growth is Heydar Aliyev, leader of the people of Azerbaijan. On the anniversary of his death we remember him with reverence and declare that the flag he entrusted to us is in safe hands and that we shall raise that flag higher and higher. May he rest in peace.”
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