Agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia opened a new chapter for the South Caucasus – COMMENTARY

We are living through magnificent and honorable days. The signing of the agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, organized in the United States and considered one of the most significant political events of our time, has opened a new chapter not only for our country but for the entire South Caucasus. It may be that some, out of envy, are not pleased with this. However, I have no doubt that both those who support us and those who do not now understand that this well-thought-out and bold step had to be taken. This political step was taken by President Ilham Aliyev, who wrote the history of victory in 44 days, Elbay Gasimzade, Chairman of the Board of the Union of Architects of Azerbaijan, Honored Architect, and Professor, said in a statement to AZERTAC.

He noted that for 30 years, those who tried to distract and deceive us with various empty promises failed to achieve their goals: “Thirty years ago, Azerbaijan was in a deplorable state. On one hand, there was the enemy; on the other, attempts to destabilize the country from within. Of course, if the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev had not come to power in 1993, it is highly likely that we would not see the Azerbaijan we have today. With his grandeur, experience, and national pride, National Leader Heydar Aliyev saved Azerbaijan, and our people, who were going through a difficult period, emerged from those challenges with dignity. Continuing the political course of Great Leader Heydar Aliyev, President Ilham Aliyev strengthened the army and developed the economy, paving the way for victory. Azerbaijan’s magnificent victory over the enemy in 2020 was the result of these efforts. With this, we reclaimed our honor, our dignity, and our trampled lands. We avenged the blood of our sons who sacrificed their lives for the homeland and the humiliation of our daughters. With full pride, we began the restoration of our liberated territories. By doing so, we showed the whole world that we are not waiting for anyone. We have taken back our lands and are now bringing them back to life. The Armenians, during their occupation, did not build a single school or hospital in the territories they seized because they knew those lands did not belong to them and that they would eventually leave. They only built 19 churches, and where? In areas where Armenians never lived. They also constructed a few ugly, nondescript public buildings in Khankendi. In the end, all of this has been cleared,” said the Chairman of the Board.

Elbay Gasimzade emphasized that alongside these efforts, the head of state has been working toward reaching the final goal. “There were various proposals and options. There were many who acted with zeal. However, in this difficult journey, there were very few we could choose as friends. This choice was made by President Ilham Aliyev himself. This was achieved thanks to the wise policy and courage of the Victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief,” he stated.