Republic of Azerbaijan on November 08 marked the first anniversary of its victory liberating the Armenian-occupied territories in the Karabakh region declaring the victory as victory of international law and justice.
“November 8 – Victory Day is a celebration of international law and justice, forming a glorious page in the history of the Azerbaijani People”, Azeri Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
The statement recalled that, as a result of last year’s 44-day Karabakh war that started on Sept. 27, 2020, against the increasing attacks and provocations of Armenia, Azerbaijan liberated its lands from occupation. It was noted that the right to live in the ancestral homeland of approximately 1 million Azerbaijani migrants was ensured.
Azerbaijan Army liberated more than 300 settlements, including the cities of Jabrayil, Fuzuli, Zangilan, Gubadli, as well as Shusha city, which has a special place in the history and culture of the Azerbaijani people. A Trilateral Statement signed by the leaders of Azerbaijan, Russia and Armenia on November 10, 2020 has brought an end to the military operations, and Armenia, recognizing its defeat, withdrew its armed forces from Kalbajar, Aghdam and Lachin regions. Thus the conflict was resolved through military-political means.
The statement emphasized that not only Azerbaijan but also friendly and brotherly countries played a role in the process, which requires time, money and serious effort. It also underlined that the return of the displaced to their homes will be realized in the coming years.
“Ensuring lasting peace, development and progress is the basis of Azerbaijan’s future strategy”, statement read adding having eliminated the occupation factor, Azerbaijan is ready to normalize its relations with Armenia, provided that the principles of international law, in particular the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of international borders, are strictly adhered to. It is important to fully implement the tripartite declarations at this stage in order to ensure security and it is expected that Armenia will respond to the steps taken by Azerbaijan in this direction.
“With the end of the conflict, new realities have emerged in the South Caucasus and everyone has to accept these realities. Armenia must choose between regional cooperation and illegal and unfounded territorial claims against its neighbors. The international community should play a positive role in this regard and call on Armenia to understand that there is no alternative to peace. The vengeful tendencies in Armenia and the attempts to directly or indirectly support the armament of this country must be put to an end”, statement further said.
On the occasion of the first anniversary of the Karabakh victory a march was also held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan which was attended by high school students, cavalry units of the Border Services Command, Karabakh War veterans and citizens.
In the march, which started with the marches of the military band, military high school students carried a 440-meter (1,444-foot) flag of Azerbaijan in reference to the 44-day war.
Citizens accompanied the march with Azerbaijani and Turkish flags, chanting “Karabakh is Azerbaijan” and singing marches.
The march, attended by thousands of people, ended at the “Spoils Museum” in Baku, where some of the weapons and armored vehicles seized from the Armenian Army are exhibited.
