Aliyev addresses Azerbaijani people on the occasion of the Novruz holiday from the city of Shusha

In an emotional address to the nation on the occasion of the start of the traditional Novruz holiday, Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev addressed his countrymen from the city of Shusha in Nagorno-Karabakh, which has recently reverted back to Azerbaijani control following the 44-day Karabakh war.

The message of the president started with images of the Ilham Aliyev wearing military fatigues, together with his wife and daughter, lighting the traditional flame with the mountains of Karabakh in the background.

"This year we celebrate Novruz in Shusha, on the Cidir plain. This is a historic event. Every year since 2004, when congratulating the people of Azerbaijan on the occasion of Novruz, I have said that we will return to our native lands. I said that we will restore the territorial integrity of our country. I said that we would celebrate Novruz in Karabakh after the liberation of our lands, and today has come. Today we celebrate Novruz in our ancient city, Shusha, the cultural capital of Azerbaijan. This is a historic event. This is a great happiness. God heard the prayers of the Azerbaijani people. Every year, on the eve of Novruz, we probably all thought and said to each other, hopefully, next year we will celebrate Novruz in Karabakh, next year we will celebrate Novruz in Shusha, and today has come. After 28 years we returned to Shusha."

The president said that the liberation of territories lost to Armenia in the early 1990s was the main aim of his presidency from the very beginning:

"In recent years, I have repeatedly said in speeches and interviews that we do not need an incomplete solution. What this means is that the people of Azerbaijan probably understand very well. I said that everything should be done on time. I know what, when and how to do it. For me, there has never been a more important task than the liberation of lands. I have dedicated my entire presidency to this. Behind every decision was this goal, this goal – whether this step will bring us closer to victory or not. I said that each of us must bring victory closer every day. I have speeches, they remain in history. Every day, each of us must bring victory closer. We approached, prepared, came, defeated and destroyed the enemy. We came and stopped here."

The Novruz holiday is a big national holiday in Azerbaijan and other countries in the Black Sea, Caucasus and Central Asia and coincided with the old Persian new year. 

source: commonspace.eu with the press service of the president of Azerbaijan
photo: Azerbaijan president Ilham Aliyev lighting the traditional fire on the occasion of the start of the Novruz holiday in the city of Shusha in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
US tells its NATO allies that European security is no longer top priority

US tells its NATO allies that European security is no longer top priority

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has told Washington's NATO allies that they would have to step up and assume greater responsibility for Europe's security since the U.S. no longer remains "primarily focused on the security of Europe". He said "stark strategic realities", such as U.S. border security issues and threats posed by China are a greater priority. Hegseth also said that a return to Ukraine's pre-2014 borders was unrealistic and the Trump administration does not see NATO membership for Kyiv as part of a solution to the war triggered by Russia's invasion.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
US tells its NATO allies that European security is no longer top priority

US tells its NATO allies that European security is no longer top priority

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has told Washington's NATO allies that they would have to step up and assume greater responsibility for Europe's security since the U.S. no longer remains "primarily focused on the security of Europe". He said "stark strategic realities", such as U.S. border security issues and threats posed by China are a greater priority. Hegseth also said that a return to Ukraine's pre-2014 borders was unrealistic and the Trump administration does not see NATO membership for Kyiv as part of a solution to the war triggered by Russia's invasion.