President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva participated in the opening ceremony of a newly constructed residential complex in the city of Jabrayil, where they handed over keys to the new homes for the residents.

Sadig Sadigov, Chairman of the Board of the State Housing Development Agency, briefed the President and the First Lady on the work completed in the residential complex.

The total area of the Jabrayil residential complex is 7.9 hectares. The complex comprises 33 residential buildings, including 7 five-story buildings and 26 four-story buildings, with a total of 712 apartments. These include 8 one-room, 136 two-room, 8 studio-type two-room, 392 three-room, and 168 four-room apartments.

The construction of the six-quarter complex has been completed to high standards. In addition to the residential buildings, the area features social facilities, both underground and above-ground parking, recreational areas, and children's playgrounds for entertainment and sports.

The head of state delivered a speech at the event.

Speech by President Ilham Aliyev

- Today marks the fourth anniversary of the liberation of the city of Jabrayil. On this occasion, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you, to all the residents of Jabrayil, and to the Azerbaijani people. We are celebrating this milestone today, four years later, in Jabrayil. As you may know, October 4 has been designated as Jabrayil City Day by my order. I am confident that we will continue to observe this wonderful day annually.

The liberation of Jabrayil holds enormous significance, as it was the first city freed from occupation during the Second Karabakh War. By that time, the war had been ongoing for a week, with nearly 20 villages, including those in the Jabrayil district, already liberated. However, Jabrayil was the first city to be reclaimed, making the Jabrayil operation especially important. Our army displayed immense professionalism and heroism, driving the occupiers out of Jabrayil. May Allah rest all our martyrs in peace! The Azerbaijani Armed Forces demonstrated true courage, dedication, and valor during the Patriotic War, and we will forever be proud of our martyrs.

The liberation of Jabrayil not only positively impacted the course of the war but also boosted the morale of both our army and our nation. We all believed that this victory would ultimately lead to our triumph, and with the liberation of each settlement and city, that belief only grew stronger.

A few days after the liberation of Jabrayil, the successful Hadrut operation showcased the great professionalism of our armed forces. The enemy had heavily fortified positions in the area, particularly on all high ground, including Jabrayil. To liberate the city, our brave soldiers had to break through several defense lines, and they succeeded.

Following the Hadrut operation, the Fuzuli operation was successfully completed on October 17, opening the way to Shusha, Zangilan, and Gubadli. From that point onward, the victorious march of our army advanced even more rapidly. As I mentioned earlier, we liberated key areas, including the cities and districts of Jabrayil, Hadrut, Fuzuli, Zangilan, Gubadli, and several villages in the Lachin district. Finally, on November 8, we liberated the city of Shusha. In total, over 300 cities and villages were liberated on the battlefield, forcing Armenia to sign the capitulation act on November 10.

Thus, the history of the Second Karabakh War concluded with our victory. Today, the Azerbaijani people live with a deep sense of gratitude toward our heroic soldiers. The younger generation, raised in the spirit of patriotism, was able to reclaim the lands we once lost for the people and the state.

Shortly after the liberation of Jabrayil, all relevant orders for the city's development were issued. First, demining operations had to be conducted, as the areas near the former line of contact were heavily mined. Infrastructure projects began immediately, and today, anyone visiting Jabrayil can see that the old road, once used during Soviet times, has been rebuilt - I remember this road well. Since our victory, I have traveled this road many times to visit these regions. A new four-lane highway is currently under construction, which will extend to Zangilan, Gubadli, and eventually Lachin.

The implementation of various infrastructure projects is proceeding successfully and swiftly, not only in Jabrayil but throughout the liberated regions. While we were here yesterday, we celebrated the opening of a new school, and starting next week, children will attend classes there. This new neighborhood also includes plans for a hospital and a temporary medical facility. The beautiful houses being constructed here not only demonstrate the strength of our state but also reflect the Azerbaijani government's commitment to ensuring that the living conditions of former IDPs meet appropriate standards. In the first neighborhood, 33 multi-apartment buildings have been constructed, comprising a total of 712 apartments. Some of these apartments have already been handed over, while others are scheduled to be commissioned in the coming months. Thus, the first new residential area in the city of Jabrayil is being inaugurated.

I can confidently say that the ongoing work in the liberated territories is unprecedented in its scale and nature. No other country that has experienced occupation or war has managed to undertake rebuilding efforts with such speed and quality. This success is due to the implementation of comprehensive and precise plans. Master plans for every city have been approved, and all necessary infrastructure is being considered for each village. Yesterday, I reviewed the reconstruction of Horovlu village, which, like the city of Jabrayil, was liberated on the same day. In a few months, likely in the first half of next year, residents will return to Horovlu.

However, our efforts do not stop there. We are also focused on creating employment opportunities for those returning. Just yesterday, I laid the foundation stones for five new enterprises in the Jabrayil district. Previously, about ten enterprises had their foundations laid in the Araz Valley Industrial Zone, one of which is already operational. The enterprises I inaugurated yesterday will employ over a thousand people. I encouraged the entrepreneurs behind these ventures to ensure that the majority of the workforce comprises former IDPs who have returned or will return to Jabrayil. In this way, we are providing not only housing and essential infrastructure - such as water, gas, electricity, roads, schools, and hospitals - but also valuable employment opportunities.

Here's a refined version of your text for clarity and impact:

The operations of the enterprises for which I laid the foundation yesterday are scheduled to commence next year. Some of these enterprises may have a broader scope and could come to fruition within a year and a half. This work clearly demonstrates that the true owners of this land have returned. For 30 years, the treacherous enemy has only sought to destroy these territories. Our meeting today is also taking place among these ruins.

When I first came to Jabrayil after our historic victory, I was horrified. We knew that the Armenians had shown their barbarism everywhere on our lands. We knew that the vast majority of our territories were in ruins. But it was unimaginable to think that such savagery and inhumane actions could exist. In Jabrayil, there were practically only two buildings left. Armenian soldiers had occupied those. The rest of the city looks like this, and those Western states that do not want to see this and still support Armenia today, justifying their policies of aggression, should open their eyes wide and look. They see but pretend not to see. They accuse us, and sanctions are imposed against us.

Not a single sanction has been imposed on Armenia in 30 years. Armenia has violated all norms and principles of international law, occupying nearly 20 percent of our territory, conducting ethnic cleansing, committing the Khojaly genocide, and leaving our cities and villages in ruins. Has any official representative from any Western country ever reprimanded them? No.

They even ignored the resolutions of the UN Security Council, the world's foremost organization. However, the resolutions of the Security Council must be implemented. In 1993, four resolutions were adopted. Did anyone tell them until 2020, "You have occupied those lands; you must leave"? No.

What the Minsk Group engaged in was merely stalling these matters, to some extent justifying the Armenian occupation and provoking us to accept a humiliating peace. Their activities primarily consisted of this. Whenever we raised our rightful voices on international platforms, we were told that our rhetoric was too sharp. Such sharp rhetoric, they argued, does not bring peace closer; it distances it. We were advised to find a common language with Armenia, to make peace, and to accept our loss in the war. We have heard all of this, both in official statements and behind closed doors during discussions.

Our position, however, was unequivocal, resolute, and unchanged: not a single inch of land can remain under occupation! If the issue cannot be resolved peacefully, we will resolve it through war. My words are recorded in all archives. What was their response to this? They claimed there is no military solution to this conflict. In other words, Western states employed various underhanded tactics to force us into accepting defeat, preventing us from liberating our lands from occupation. Countries like France and other Western nations did everything they could to perpetuate this injustice. Consider the irony: the very nations that sought to gift our lands to Armenia were supposedly engaged in resolving this conflict.

But their true intention was to keep us under constant pressure and to gift these lands to Armenia. What were their proposals? They involved granting independence to the former Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast. There must be a level of hypocrisy and duplicity in this, right? Look at the Russia-Ukraine war today; what do Western nations, including France and the United States, say? They assert that Ukraine's territorial integrity must be restored and that Ukraine has the right to defend itself with weapons. They provide all kinds of military support to Ukraine. So why was the attitude different towards our occupied lands? After all, our territorial integrity was also violated.

One million people became homeless. Who was helping us? While one million people lived in train carriages, dormitories, kindergartens, and tents, why was such duplicity displayed? We demand answers to these questions. But where do we find the answers? Again, we see them in the anti-Azerbaijani actions.

This morning, I was informed that 60 pro-Armenian congressmen from the U.S. Congress have appealed to the American government to impose new sanctions on Azerbaijan. This morning, I glanced through that appeal; it is a dirty appeal that cannot influence our will. However, what does this show? It shows that the policy of hostility towards us does not stop. When I looked at that appeal, I suspected that both its author and addressee were the same. Because its addressee is the U.S. Secretary of State. But I have no doubt that this appeal was also written in the U.S. Department of State. In other words, they are writing letters to themselves to threaten us, to accuse us. After all, what have we done? We have liberated our native lands. Is there an Armenian living here? No. You, the residents of Jabrayil, are.

In other areas, they have left all the villages of Azerbaijan in a similar state. They have destroyed our mosques and converted them into animal stalls, housing cows and pigs. Has anyone in the West claimed that Azerbaijan's cultural heritage is being looted, destroyed, and desecrated? No. Yet, what are we accused of? Allegedly, we are destroying some historical heritage. This accusation is completely baseless.

The United States imposed sanctions on us in 1992 when we were losing our lands, and then lifted those sanctions in 2001. Why? Because their aggressive activities in Afghanistan had begun, marking the start of an occupation, and they needed our support. As long as they remained in Afghanistan, these sanctions were waived annually by the U.S. President. However, when they fled Afghanistan—right before the eyes of the entire world—these sanctions were reimposed against us. Is there not a level of ingratitude in this?

I mean, when you need us, you waive the sanctions; but when you no longer need us, you reimpose them. Why? Because of this reason—because of what we've built, like this building. It’s because of the residential areas we have restored across all regions for our former IDPs. They cannot bear to see this; they refuse to accept this progress. Today is a day of mourning, a day of sorrow for the anti-Azerbaijani forces.

They ask themselves: how is it possible that Azerbaijan restored its rights without seeking permission, without asking anyone, without fearing anyone, and without considering anyone? Through its own strength, thanks to the sacrifices of its people. They cannot forgive us for this, and today, sanctions are imposed on Azerbaijan by the United States. After that, they talk about strengthening our friendship. What friendship are we talking about?

Our true friends are the ones who rejoice with us today. I said this a few days ago: those who are disappointed by this day and refuse to accept it can never be our friends. This is something the Azerbaijani people must understand. It needs to be said openly; let the diplomats speak in diplomatic language. I have always spoken the truth to the Azerbaijani people. At all times, and even today, the truth remains the same.

We must rely on our own strength and not be swayed by promises, sweet words, or deceitful expressions. I’m especially referring to the younger generation because today, the main target of anti-Azerbaijan forces is the minds of our youth. They are actively trying to influence them. That’s why they fabricate and spread outrageous lies about Azerbaijan through their media and so-called non-governmental organizations. Various elements with anti-Azerbaijan agendas are still being funded in Azerbaijan under different NGOs and public organizations. If they manage to influence the minds of the youth, they will essentially shape Azerbaijan’s future. The youth must never forget this.

These ruins will eventually be cleared, and new buildings will rise in their place. However, this image must never fade from our minds. Armenia is certainly the main culprit, but those who have supported them - both in the past and now - are also to blame. What are the Western countries, who are arming Armenia today, thinking? Do they believe we will turn a blind eye or allow our buildings to face a similar fate? No, we will not wait for that. No one can deter us. We must, and we will, secure our future development and ensure a safe life for our people!

I also warn Armenia from here, amidst these ruins: stop playing these dangerous games! On one hand, they speak of peace and spread lies; on the other, they continue large-scale armament. Who is supplying them with weapons? Countries like France and other anti-Azerbaijan states. Why are these weapons being provided to them for free? As I said, it’s to bring our towns and villages back to this state. But no matter how hard they try, they will achieve nothing.

Today, they should leave the South Caucasus in peace and focus on their own issues—address their problems, confront their bloody past, and attempt to atone for their sins. They should restore the independence of the hundreds of thousands they have oppressed, end their colonial policies, stop suppressing nations, and refrain from meddling in every corner of the world. This is my warning, and I believe those who listen and act on it will not regret it.

Armenia has engaged in dangerous games, and they should not forget the history of the Second Karabakh War. They must remember how they begged us for mercy on their knees and appealed to Russia at the highest levels -perhaps ten times a day - to stop the war. That seems to have slipped from their memory, and now they’ve found new patrons. Today, they crawl on their knees before these patrons. Let them not forget the anti-terrorist operation. They should recall that we achieved our objectives in this region. Without regard for anyone or anything, we eradicated the roots of separatism in just a few hours.

If it took us a week to liberate Jabrayil and 44 days to free Karabakh, we liberated those districts - nesting places for separatists - in just a few hours. No one should joke with us or test our patience. I can say these words anywhere because I always speak the truth to the Azerbaijani people and share my thoughts openly. The situation in the world is changing, and our response to events must be appropriate.

However, I felt it was important to say these words amidst the ruins and beautiful buildings so that both the Azerbaijani people and our friends can hear them, rejoice in our victory once again, and so that our enemies can also hear them and draw the right conclusions.

Today, we live on the liberated lands, where the Azerbaijani flag proudly waves in all restored areas, including Khankendi and Khojaly. Azerbaijani citizens now reside in Shusha, Lachin, Fuzuli, Khankendi, Khojaly, and Jabrayil, as well as in several villages. The restoration of nearly 100 villages is underway, and we are successfully implementing the Great Return Program.

I wish you a happy life here. You deserve it after spending so many years in tents and refugee camps. We have done everything we can to make your lives a little easier. Over 100 people have already settled here—those who arrived today and yesterday. Some of them previously lived in the refugee camp in Bilasuvar. There may be those who remember my visit to that camp; I first went there 20 years ago.

We worked to build new apartments and houses, providing nearly 300,000 former displaced persons - perhaps even more - with decent living conditions by 2020. However, many others still lived in difficult circumstances. Therefore, it is your right to reside in these beautiful buildings; you deserve it. I am confident that your children and grandchildren, who have never seen this land, as well as those who have lived here and were expelled, will live here comfortably and happily, always proud of their state and their people. I congratulate you once again.

X X X

Then, a ceremony was held for the presentation of keys.

Resident Shafiga Huseynova: Thank you. May Allah bless you with good health. Thank you on behalf of the residents of this residential area in Jabrayil. I bow to you again as a mother of a martyr and pay my respect to all mothers of martyrs. They are also grateful to you.

President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you.

Speaking after the ceremony of presenting the keys, resident Mahammad Guliyev said: On this beautiful day, in this beautiful place, we are finally back to Jabrayil. I express my deep gratitude to you on behalf of our people, on behalf of our community and on behalf of myself. I wish you good health and a long life. I express our deep gratitude to you and Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva. May Allah rest all our martyrs in peace and grant health to our wounded veterans. May Allah grant you a long life and good health for giving us this day. May you always be in charge of our nation. May you always continue the path of our National Leader. We are deeply indebted to you. Thank you very much. You are the dearest person for us, the person we respect the most. You are our bulwark and our support. May Allah bless you. May Allah help you. May you always be there for our people. We are grateful to you. Thank you very much, we are very pleased.

President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you very much.

Resident Bahar Aghayeva: Dear Mr. President, our Commander-in-Chief. Dear Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva. You are here along with us today, on this beautiful, remarkable and joyful day for us. We are proud of that. We have set foot on our land for the first time after 31 years. When I left here, I was 20 years old and I was a student. We have now returned. When the lands were liberated in 2020, it was as if no-one had ever lived here before. They had destroyed our houses. Now we are looking at this and feel the pride.

Thank you very much for beautifying our wonderful city and for building a new Jabrayil for us. The people of Jabrayil place great importance on education; for them, air, water, and food are all forms of education. I express my deep gratitude to you, on behalf of all the people of Jabrayil, for prioritizing education and for establishing a school named after Academician Mehdi Mehdizade, where I received my secondary education and have now returned as a teacher. It is a modern school that meets the requirements of the 21st century. Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva, on behalf of all the natives of Jabrayil, I sincerely thank you for honoring the families of martyrs and ghazis, and for caring for their rights.

Long live Azerbaijan, long live our state! May the flag of Azerbaijan never bend! May you always live as our leader! May Allah bless you and your family with good health! May your “Iron Fist” always be strong! Thank you very much for your attention.

Resident Firidun Aliyev: Mr. President, I would also like to thank you. Because you are the direct cause of our return to Jabrayil. One can’t but rejoice at the sight of the infrastructure created in liberated territories. As you said, it is very sad to see these ruins, but you are the one who has brought hearths to these ruins. Therefore, we thank you very much.

You said in one of your speeches that we have restored the justice the world did not want to see. Yes, I want to thank you very much indeed for restoring this justice.

You also had a well-known phrase, which was very popular with our people, and there is already an answer to that phrase: this is exactly how a road should be built to Jabrayil. Thank you, thank you very much. I am grateful to you. Always be there for us!

President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you. You are absolutely right; this is how a road should be built. However, the construction of that road to Jabrayil was, in fact, intended to perpetuate the occupation. This is why they wanted to build a new road from Armenia to Jabrayil - so that settlement could occur here and travel to Armenia would become easier.

But we have overturned all these plans; the Azerbaijani people have thwarted them. We demonstrated our resolve to the whole world, and our victory, of course, is the greatest asset for our people and our state. I believe it is the brightest military victory in the centuries - old history of the Azerbaijani people. At the same time, this victory has shown that it is possible to fight against injustice. When there is unity among the people, strong determination, high moral spirits, and a deep attachment to our roots and national values, we can achieve anything. By attaining this historic success, our people have illuminated the path for all those suffering in many other places, proving that change is possible. Therefore, the international significance of our victory will only increase from now on.

Our military operations are now studied in the world's leading military schools. In many discussions - whether with military personnel or foreign representatives - I see how impressed they are by our operations in Shusha, Hadrut, and Jabrayil, particularly by how our soldiers broke through five, six, and seven lines of defense across mined and fortified areas. Above all, they are struck by the heroism of our fighters, who risked their lives and continued to advance despite being under fire. I have said this many times, and I want to emphasize again that it was our national spirit that led us to victory.

I can note that all these factors have enhanced Azerbaijan’s authority in the world perhaps tenfold. Today, we are a country enjoying tremendous respect and authority worldwide. Both citizens of our country and Azerbaijanis living abroad can hold their heads high today. There are millions of Azerbaijanis living in the world. The number of our compatriots who speak Azerbaijani and have Azerbaijani as their mother tongue is more than 50 million. This Victory is also their Victory, a source of pride for them. It will be like this forever. We will live in these lands forever. Our nation and state will live forever as a victorious nation and state.

All these beautiful buildings are and will be built on liberated lands. The process of strengthening Azerbaijan both in the South Caucasus and its transformation into an important country in a larger geography will continue successfully. I have no doubt about that. I am sure of that, our policy dictates that, and our potential shows it. Our power, our political weight, our economic and military power will only increase year after year. I am saying this with full confidence. I recently talked about how much effort has been made to further increase our combat capability, even though we demonstrated to the whole world what we are capable of militarily during the Second Karabakh War. You and all the people of Azerbaijan should know that our military power has grown even more since then. If someone decides to stand in front of us, they will still regret it.

It is also the day of the city today, and the stage set up there is visible from here. A holiday concert awaits you in a little while. Inshallah, from now on, we will only celebrate holidays in these lands. Congratulations again!