As it is known, as a result of the 44-day Patriotic War and successful military operations in Karabakh, Azerbaijan liberated its lands from the occupation of Armenian military units and restored its territorial integrity. Now a new stage has begun - the restoration of the liberated territories, construction and reconstruction work, the revival of life in Karabakh.
However, revanchist slogans against Azerbaijan are being chanted in Armenia, and a non-constructive position is being demonstrated by conducting war propaganda again. In such circumstances, the director of the Institute of Economics of ANAS, doctor of economic sciences, professor Nazim Muzaffarli (Imanov) sent an appeal letter to more than 100 foreign colleagues from different countries of the world, including economists, to Nobel laureates, heads of economic research centers, and well-known scientists
Dear colleagues!
As you of course know, the war between Azerbaijan on one side, and Armenia and
some terrorist groups “invited” from abroad, on the other, was concluded with the
signing of a three-party statement with the mediation of Russia. The war had
started in September last year as a result of the military provocations by Armenia
and had lasted 44 days. Ultimately, Azerbaijan liberated a large part of its territory,
that was under Armenian occupation for almost 30 years.
This is important to remember that the military operations took place within the
internationally recognised borders of Azerbaijan. All major UN documents
stipulate that Karabakh, including its northern side, is an integral part of
Azerbaijan, and this fact is recognised by all states, including yours. Therefore,
most of the states who called for a cease-fire, supported Azerbaijan at the same
time. All the political leaders understand – or at least claim – than only a just peace
can be sustainable. This is perhaps better understood by the international expert
community, whose numerous representatives also supported Azerbaijan. The
people of my country are sincerely grateful to all our supporters.
Azerbaijan has already started implementing large-scale programmes to restore its
liberated territory. The standards of the restoration are defined at a significantly
higher level than the country’s average level of the development. More than
600,000 internally displaced people, who had been expelled from their homes and
land in Karabakh in early 1990s are preparing for repatriation with joy in their
eyes. However, this can not happen so fast: there is no stone upon stone left from
the homes and infrastructure in Karabakh. Everywhere is heavily mined and
Armenia stubbornly refuses to provide the maps of the landmines. The cultural-
religious legacy of the Azerbaijanis in Karabakh is completely destroyed, and this
has happened not in the course of the military operations, but at times of ‘peace’.
The Armenians have plundered everything that could be moved, and what could
not be moved was destroyed in a barbaric way.
Nevertheless, my government, keeps assuring that we have no problems with the
citizens of Azerbaijan of Armenian descent. They will continue to live in Karabakh
together with Azerbaijanis, to study, work, bring up their children. For the people,
who will be returning to Karabakh, this is not going to be easy, but they accept
such a perspective.
However, we receive completely opposite messages from Armenia, both from the
government bodies and public figures. There again, as before, calls are heard for
war and revenge. The idea of ‘deoccupation’ of Karabakh is becoming a part of the
national idea. Absolutely false infromation about the destruction of the cultural-
religious sites by Azerbaijanis is spreading all over the world. Armenians are being
intimidated that Azerbaijan is about to start a war against Armenia. The Armenian
authorities are noisily demanding the release of the arrested members of terrorist
groups sent to Azerbaijan from Armenia after the war was ended, although these
people kept killing our soldiers and civilians.
It is a great regret that some states and international organisations, although just a
few, support these provocative calls of Armenia without examining the essence of
the matter. This raises a deep disappointment in the Azerbaijan society and acts as
a serious obstacle to long-term peace in the region.
We believe that with the help of our friends, we’ll reintegrate Karabakh to
Azerbaijan’s political-economic and socio-cultural space and this will become a
cornerstone of peace and progress in the Southern Caucasus.
Let’s stand for Peace and Justice!
Sincerely,
Professor Nazim Muzaffarli (Imanov)
Director, ANAS Institute of Economics
