Ilham Aliyev: The people of Azerbaijan will liberate their lands

From a speech by the president of Azerbaijan to the congress of the Yeni Azerbaijan party, meeting in Baku

The Yeni Azerbaijan Party was founded under severe conditions in 1992. Initiated by our national leader Heydar Aliyev, the Yeni Azerbaijan Party was founded as an opposition party. Unlike some members of the today's opposition, however, the Yeni Azerbaijan Party has never been in opposition to Azerbaijan's statehood or national interests. Not only we but also the whole Azerbaijani people used to be in opposition to the country's leadership as their destructive policy had led to anarchy, chaos and total crisis. They had brought the country to the brink of a precipice.

The processes taking place in the country at that time questioned the very future of Azerbaijan; the country was on the verge of separation. It was wisdom of the Azerbaijani people and national leader Heydar Aliyev's political experience, knowledge and courage that allowed our country to get out of that critical situation, saved the country from all existing threats. I also rest on the people's support in my activities. I can feel this support, and this support gives me strength.

The most difficult problem is the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. We are striving for its settlement. But, of course, this question does not depend on the wish of one side. The international law norms are on our side. Economic potential is on our side. Military potential is on our side. Justice is in on our side. The people of Azerbaijan will never put up with the lost of their lands. The people will liberate their native lands at all costs.

We want to solve the problem in peaceful way. We don't want war, we have great plans and good prospects. We want to be engaged in constructive work and make further progress in our country. Everybody realises, however, that the uncertain situation cannot be endless.