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dependence of Azerbaij an is irreversible, and we are sure that the way which,
we follow in the fi eld
of state construction, economic transformations, and con-
duction of democratic reforms, will allow to overcome these diffi
culties and
integrate Azerbaij an into the world community, into the world economy with
its rich opportunities, rich economic and intellectual potentials.
As I already noted, the military aggression of Armenia against our Republic
within six years complicates the situation in Azerbaij an in many respects. This
aggression, perpetrated by the
nationalist circles of Armenia, has brought in-
calculable disasters to both the Azerbaij ani and the Armenian people, and it is
very diffi
cult problem for us today.
You know well that as a result of the military aggression of Armenia,
which pursues the purpose of annexation of a part of the Azerbaij ani ter-
ritory, the Nagorno-Karabakh, the Armenian armed formations have oc-
cupied a signifi cant part of the Azerbaij ani territory. In the war which is
going on six-years more than 20 thousand persons have been killed, about
four thousand have been taken captives, and
thousands of dwelling houses,
hospitals, schools, social buildings, industrial and agricultural enterprises
have been destroyed in the territory of Azerbaij an. The damage is estimated
at billions of dollars.
But the most terrible fact is that almost 20 percent of the Azerbaij ani terri-
tory has been occupied by the Armenian armed units, and the inhabitants of
these regions –more than one million have lost their residences, live in very
critical condition and have become refugees in their own country. All the
people of the Azerbaij ani nationality have been expelled from the territory of
the Nagorno-Karabakh. The Nagorno-Karabakh and seven districts of Azer-
baij an around it are, as I already said, under the
occupation of the Armenian
armed units.
We have always supported the peaceful sett lement of the confl ict and now
we maintain the same position. We aspire to use actively the opportunities of
international organizations - the United Nations, CSCE and its Minsk Group. In
1993, the United Nations Security Council adopted four resolutions demand-
ing the withdrawal of the Armenian troops from the territory of Azerbaij an,
but Armenia ignored these resolutions. Eff orts by the Minsk Group GTSCE
have not led to positive results yet. Military operation are still going on, the Ar-
menian armed formations, having occupied as I already said, a signifi cant part
of the Azerbaij ani
territory, att ack to defensive positions of Azerbaij an. Every
day blood is shed, people are killed.
It is impossible to endure all these any more. Therefore, today I, using my
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presence here, at the headquarters of NATO, once again declare the position
of Azerbaij an. We support the peaceful sett lement of this question, immediate
cessation of hostilities,
we are for negotiations, which will cause the immedi-
ate withdrawal of the occupation armies from the territory of Azerbaij an and
ensure its territorial integrity, inviolability of its borders. Under these condi-
tions we are ready to consider the question on granting autonomy to Nagorno-
Karabakh.
Speaking on the Azerbaij ani TV and radio on April 12, I addressed the Ar-
menian people, to the administration of Armenia, to the Armenian population
of the Nagorno-Karabakh and called them to stop this bloodshed. The destiny
predetermined the Azerbaij ani and Armenian peoples to live side by side, and
they have lived side by side for centuries. We consider
that the solution of the
problem by violence has no prospects, this war is unpromising, and it is nec-
essary to put an end to bloodshed, to establish peace in our region as soon as
possible.
Today, we again express the confi dence that the international organiza-
tions, fi rst of all CSCE, and the CSCE Minsk Group, will take addition-
al measures to put our peaceful initiatives into practice. Today, being at
NATO
headquarters, I would like to express my deep respect for the North
Atlantic Treaty Organization which during the period of its existence has
contributed greatly to the establishment of stability, peace and cooperation
in Europe and all over the world. We approach to NATO with great respect
and we att ache great value to its activity at the present stage. Creation of the
North Atlantic Cooperation Council became an important stage in NATO’s
activity, this will create an opportunity for other states to be involved in the
orbit of NATO.
We meet with satisfaction the decision of NATO, dated on January 10 of this
year, on acceptance of the document “Partnership for Peace”, and we consider
it also as an important step for the further development
of cooperation between
the countries in the activity of NATO. We att ach great importance to the deci-
sion of NATO dated on January 10th, in which a special concern is expressed
for the situation in the Southern Caucasus, and conviction of the necessity to
terminate the confl icts in our region, including in Azerbaij an, Armenia and
Georgia.
All this att racts us and causes interest. Assuming it as a basis, we received the
invitation of NATO with great satisfaction to join the “Partnership for Peace”
program. We decided to sign it, and we cherish great hopes for cooperation
with NATO. It is very important for us and from the
point of view of gett ing
acquainted with the western democracy and cooperation with NATO, search-
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