“There are days in the history of the Azerbaijani people that are not merely marked on the calendar but are etched into the nation’s memory and destiny. November 8 is one such day. On this day in 2020, President and Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev announced to the whole world that Shusha had been liberated. This news brought an end to nearly 30 years of longing, pain and anticipation.”
Member of parliament Nagif Hamzayev said this to Globalinfo.az.
The lawmaker recalled that the Patriotic War began on September 27, 2020, in response to another provocation by the Armenian armed forces:
“However, this response was not unexpected. Over the preceding years, consistent attention had been paid to army-building, while equipping the armed forces with modern equipment and weapons, improving combat readiness and developing a professional кадров capacity had been among the main priorities of state policy. Thus, the 44-day war was the result of years of preparation, precise strategic planning and strong political will.
The successes on the front were achieved under the direct leadership of the Commander-in-Chief. The liberation of Fuzuli, Jabrayil, Zangilan, Gubadli, Hadrut and dozens of cities, settlements and villages from occupation followed one after another. The most important moment was the Shusha operation. The liberation of our ancient cradle of culture, located in difficult mountainous terrain and in strategically highly advantageous positions, is regarded as a rare example of military art.
Victory was not won only on the battlefield. During the war, President Ilham Aliyev demonstrated a consistent and principled position on the military, political and information fronts. The norms and principles of international law, as well as the four resolutions of the UN Security Council, formed the basis of Azerbaijan’s just cause. The Azerbaijani leader conveyed the truth to the international community and defended our country’s position with precise and convincing arguments. The trilateral Statement signed on November 10, 2020, opened a new stage in the political settlement of the conflict.
One of the most valuable secrets of this Victory was the unity of the people. During the war, the whole of society united like a single fist. Regardless of age, profession or place of residence, people stood behind the army. Those who voluntarily went to the front, donated blood, supported the families of martyrs, collected financial aid, and our compatriots abroad who promoted the truth about the country were living manifestations of this unity.
The phrase ‘unity between the people and the army’ ceased to be a slogan in those days and became a reality of life. The army felt the people’s support, and the people felt the army’s determination to win. This mutual trust became the main moral foundation of Victory.”
Nagif Hamzayev
The lawmaker said that Victory was won at the cost of the blood and lives of thousands of brave sons of Azerbaijan:
“Our martyrs made the greatest sacrifice for the territorial integrity of the Motherland. Our veterans sacrificed their health on this path but did not lose their fighting spirit. Every soldier, officer and general honourably fulfilled the mission entrusted to them. Their fortitude, courage and devotion to the Motherland are a school, an example and a source of pride for future generations.
The endurance of the mothers, fathers, spouses and children of our martyrs is also an inseparable part of this Victory. Their tears are accompanied by pride, and the pain of loss finds consolation in the liberation of the Motherland.
November 8 is not only a day to look back at the past but also a day of responsibility towards the future. Major construction and restoration work is underway in the liberated territories. Roads are being built, energy and communications infrastructure is being created, and former internally displaced persons are returning to their native lands under the Great Return programme. This is the natural continuation of Victory, its tangible result.
It is also an important task to educate the younger generation in the spirit of Victory, patriotism and national values. Although winning victory is difficult, preserving and sustaining it requires even greater responsibility.
November 8, Victory Day, is a symbol of the Azerbaijani people’s will, unity and struggle for justice. On this day, we honour the memory of our martyrs, express gratitude to our veterans and proudly celebrate the historic victory won under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief.
Victory has once again shown us one truth: where there is unity, victory is inevitable. It is the sacred duty of each of us to keep this truth in our memory and serve the Motherland with devotion.
May our Victory be blessed!”
Turan Rzayev
Globalinfo.az
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