Ambassador Tural Rzayev: Azerbaijan Celebrates Third Anniversary of Victory in the 44-Day War -Contribution
By His Excellency Mr. Tural Rzayev, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Algeria
Yesterday marked the third anniversary of our triumph in the 44-Day War. November 8, 2020, etches itself into Azerbaijan’s history as a day of victory. The road to triumph was far from easy. Since 1993, Armenia had occupied 20% of Azerbaijani territories. Despite four resolutions by the United Nations Security Council, along with support from the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the European Union, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, and other international and regional organizations, Armenia persisted in its occupation policy for 27 years.
In 2020, Armenian leaders made provocative statements, claiming “Karabakh is Armenia, and point.” Furthermore, the Armenian Defense Minister expressed readiness for a “new war for new territories.” Alongside such declarations, armed Armenian provocations along the confrontation line escalated. In July 2020, Armenian forces fired upon a vehicle carrying Azerbaijani servicemen, resulting in casualties. In September 2020, Azerbaijani soldiers were targeted from the occupied Fuzuli region. This aggression pushed Azerbaijan to take decisive action, launching a counter-offensive that liberated the occupied lands in 44 days.
By November 10, 2020, Armenia signed a statement, tantamount to surrender. The document was inked by the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Russia and the Prime Minister of Armenia. Despite the cessation of hostilities, Armenia failed to comply with its commitments. It did not withdraw its military personnel receiving salaries from Azerbaijani territories, hindered communication to the autonomous region of Nakhchivan, and supplied arms to Armenians within Azerbaijani lands. Armenian subversive groups infiltrated the area, planting mines, digging trenches, and constructing military fortifications in Azerbaijani-populated regions.
Even after the defeat in the 44-Day War, Armenia persisted in provocations, flouting international law. Azerbaijan responded appropriately. On September 19, 2023, Azerbaijan took full control of its territories through a limited counter-terrorism operation. It offered Azerbaijani citizenship to Armenian civilians living in these areas and assured that 30,000 Armenians would live freely in Azerbaijan, governed by Azerbaijani laws. However, due to Armenian influence, these individuals were peacefully relocated from Azerbaijani territories to Armenia by vehicles arranged by the Armenian side. Azerbaijan had no involvement in this migration.
Azerbaijan advocates for peace, security, economic development, cooperation, and stability in the South Caucasus region. We hope Armenia fulfills its commitments during the negotiation process and remains faithful to the signed documents.
November 8, 2020, is for us a day of justice triumphing over injustice. Armenia occupied Azerbaijani lands for nearly 30 years, establishing an illegal regime. Due to Armenia’s ethnic cleansing, over a million Azerbaijanis were expelled from their ancestral lands. Armenian forces destroyed our cities and villages, desecrating our historical and religious heritage.
Throughout these years, Azerbaijan sought a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Armenia’s objective was to solidify the status quo through occupation. Despite Armenia’s aggression and ethnic cleansing, Azerbaijan expressed readiness to sign a peace agreement. We offered five fundamental principles. While Armenia claimed recognition of Azerbaijan’s sovereignty in 2022, its actions were illogical and contradictory. A part of the Armenian army continued to stay in Azerbaijani territories.
The congratulatory message from the Armenian Prime Minister on what they termed “presidential elections” in the Karabakh region on September 2, 2023, was disrespectful and a direct threat to our territorial integrity and security. On September 19, 2023, explosions from mines planted by illegal Armenian armed groups in our liberated territories resulted in the deaths of six civilians and police officers. Azerbaijan took necessary steps to combat terrorism, restore constitutional order, and neutralize illegal military units. Within 23 hours, Azerbaijan completely regained sovereignty and its constitutional structure, with no harm to civilians or civilian infrastructure. Azerbaijan fully adhered to international humanitarian law, as confirmed by a United Nations mission that visited the area twice.
Three years ago, immediately after the national war, Azerbaijan embarked on extensive reconstruction efforts in its liberated lands. An estimated $7 billion from the Azerbaijani budget has already been allocated for this purpose. Approximately $2.4 billion is expected to be allocated in the coming year.
Azerbaijan is currently implementing a grand return program to its liberated territories. Former displaced persons, the rightful owners of these lands, have returned to the cities of Lachin and Fuzuli and three other villages. Over 140,000 people are expected to return to the Karabakh and East Zangazur regions by the end of 2026.
We express deep gratitude to all nations that supported our just struggle, guided by international legal norms and the decisions and declarations of the United Nations Security Council, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and other influential entities and international organizations.
Translated by Dr. Hana Saada
