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meeting with the people on September 19. I agreed. Since
this hall is not so big for
a bigger meeting, we are going to assemble in Motodrom.
I can go there. Can`t they? Violating the laws, opposing the policy are crimes.
78 policemen were injured. 30 of them are in critical state. The criminals must be
punished. Nobody will be allowed to make turmoils and chaos in Azerbaijan.
I defend the right of the Azerbaijani population. I took an oath that I shall secure
the right of our citizens. Because our people trust me. I also rely on our people. With
the people`s help I can do hard jobs.
I was invited to take power in June 1993. I took the responsibility in the hardest
period of Azerbaijan. I understood that the sitution was extremely hard. I have also a
private life, a family. But I took the responsibility for the
interests of the Azerbaijani
people.
I have faced a lot of diffi culties since 1993. Then Azerbaijan was almost torn
apart. A so-called Talysh-Mugan Republic was declared in Lankaran. Ganja was out
of control. Some separatist movements were active in the northern part, too. People
did not feel safe in Baku. We arranged everything in those years.
I remember the October events of 1994. Some people wanted to overthrow the
government, even kill me. I addressed our people on TV late in the evening. I shall
never forget that night. After
my speech on TV, thousands of people assembled
around the Presidential Palace. Most of them were women. That was a critical
period. However, with the help of the Azerbaijani people, we could overcome those
diffi culties.
When I saw the women of different ages, I was surprised how much they love and
trust me. I am excited when I remember those moments.
Similar events happened again in March 1995. The opposition
parties together with
OMON wanted to overthrow the government. They were supported from abroad.
But everybody knows that Heydar Aliyev will never let Azerbaijan be divided.
I rely on the Azerbaijani people. I am an experienced person. But I don`t feel a
hero. I am a hero thanks to your support. Relying on you, I am leading an independent
policy of Azerbaijan. All the parties in Azerbaijan should know that they can function
only within the laws of Azerbaijan. Illegal actions will not be allowed. As a guarantee
of the Constitution and laws, I shall ensure the safety of our citizens.
In the
Name of the Azerba ani Woman
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Dear women! I have had a lot of meetings. But I have never met people like you.
You had discussions earlier. Since half past two we have been here. Now it is 8
o`clock. You are so patient and disciplined. I admire you.
I have some advice. You are active participants in the public and political life. I
want you to be much more active. I would like the men to learn discipline, patience
and loyalty from you.
Women have a great infl uence in society. Though women are not represented in
the governmental structures so much, you still have a great infl uence. That`s why, I
want our men to learn from you.
I thank you also for your contributions to the establishement of the Azerbaijani
army. Your sons serve in our army now. Yesterday I issued a decree on the enrollment
of the young people at the age of 18 to the army. Since there
is a stability and peace
in our country, our youth just need to serve in the army for two years. At the same
time, they learn how to defend their motherland there. Be sure that we have an army
able to defend our independence and territorial integrity. I thank our women for their
contributions. I hope that they will raise patriotic people for our country further.
Dear ladies! I am satisfi ed with my meeting with you. I am excited today. But I
am surprised with your reactions to my speech.
I think that this assembly is successful. It will be a historical event in the women
movement in Azerbaijan. I congratulate and wish you the best!
Long live the Azerbaijani women!
Long live Azerbaijan!
In the Name of the Azerba ani Woman
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SPEECH OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN
HEYDAR ALIYEV AT THE CEREMONY DEDICATED TO THE
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN`S DAY
March 6, 1999
Dear ladies! Dear sisters!
I congratulate you, all the women of Azerbaijan on the International Women`s
Day. I wish you the best!
We are living the last years of the 20
th
century. The women of Azerbaijan have
achieved remarkable successes in this century. Our women had never gained so
much before the 20
th
century.
Since their emancipation the women have developed and become participants of
the society. It is necessary to take care of them, use their force effectively,
respect
and thank them.
If 50-60 per cent of the people working in the fi eld of medicine and education
are women, then just imagine the rapid development of our women within a short
period.
The conditions created for our women, attention and care for them, as well as the
women`s talent, potential,
intelligence, diligence have developed them. We can be
proud that the women form the majority in our country. They form 51 percent of our
population.
The Azerbaijani women are praised in our literature. The speakers have told
much about our women today. I agree with all of them. Because, I am of the same
opinion, too.
Our distinguished poet Mirvarid Dilbazi recited a poem about women. Her poems
are loved by our society. I like them, too. I think that the poem recited here refl ects
the best features of all the women. My favorite phrase was this: when nature changed
the world, it substituted the paradise with a woman. It is true.
It demonstrates the
position of the women in the society. We, men, should know that the paradise is our
women.
The Azerbaijani women are very brave. They bring up heroes for our people,
In the Name of the Azerba ani Woman