A new settlement for 760 IDP families has been commissioned in the Masazir settlement of Absheron District.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has attended the ceremony.

Informing President Ilham Aliyev, the Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the State Committee for Refugee and IDP Affairs, Ali Hasanov, said that the improvement of the living conditions of refugees and internally displaced persons was always at the center of attention for the Azerbaijani government. Since 1993, great leader Heydar Aliyev has signed 81 decrees and orders, the Cabinet of Ministers issued 307 resolutions, while the Milli Majlis adopted 24 laws in this direction. In 2003-2012, President Ilham Aliyev signed 49 decrees and orders in this area. Over this period, two state programs and additions to them have been approved and successfully implemented. In the 2001-2012 period, 77 settlements consisting of multi-storey buildings and private houses have been built for a total of 31,000 families and more than 140,000 refugees and internally displaced persons.

Over this period, a total of 134 schools, five music schools, 48 kindergartens, 51 medical centers, two Olympic sports complexes, 37 houses of communications have been built and thousands of kilometers of water, power and gas lines laid. In addition, 1,348 families, or a total of 6,740 internally displaced persons, have been resettled to new apartments built in Absheron District at the expense of the Ministry of Finance due to national needs. Using the state budget funds envisaged for public investment, the construction of 352 houses for Meskhetian Turks has been completed. The project will be continued in 2013 as well. In total, $5.4 billion was spent in 1993-2012 to resolve the social problems of refugees and internally displaced persons. In 2012, the State Oil Fund allocated $300 million manats, which is 2.2 times more than in 2011 and 15 times more than in 2003. In 2013, funds in the amount of 590 million manats will be allocated for the solution of the social problems of refugees and internally displaced persons. The funds in the amount of 300 million manats to be allocated from the State Oil Fund will be spent on the construction of eight settlements covering a total area of 260,000 square meters for 4,000 families or a total of 20,000 IDPs. The settlements will have all the necessary facilities of social and technical infrastructure.

The head of state enquired about the conditions created at the new office building of the Executive Authority of Zangilan District.

In the lobby of the three-storey building constructed at the latest standards, there is a bust of nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev. In addition, there is a photo stand in the lobby reflecting the care of great leader Heydar Aliyev about refugees and internally displaced persons, his meetings with them and the sights of Zangilan before occupation. During familiarization with offices, the head of state was informed that the building had all the conditions for normal activity of employees. A 50-seat auditorium on the third floor can host various events.

Then the President of Azerbaijan visited the apartment of Vali Guliyev, an internally displaced person from Zangilan District.

It was noted that Vali Guliyev, whose family consists of five people, was provided with a three-room apartment. The apartment is well suited for a comfortable family life.

The head of state had a chat with the host at a tea table.

President Ilham Aliyev: I congratulate you. It is a great settlement and a beautiful apartment. After the occupation the displaced persons were settled in dormitories and tent-camps. You lived there in difficult and harsh conditions for many years.

But now the opportunities of our state are expanding. A consistent state policy in conducted in this direction. Improving the livelihoods of all the displaced persons is a priority issue. There are many such settlements. Last year I attended the opening of a similar settlement in Mushfigabad. This year we are putting into operation this beautiful settlement. There will be more settlements in the future, there will be one in Mingachevir. This process is ongoing and it is already possible to live here in comfort. However, let me repeat that this is a temporary residence. After our main issue has been resolved and our lands have been freed from the invaders, we will build even more beautiful houses in Zangilan and other our cities and districts.

Host Vali Guliyev: Thank you very much, Mr. President. On behalf of all the displaced persons, on behalf of our family and on my own behalf, I thank you for such excellent facilities created for us and for taking such a good care of us. I wish you a long life and good health. The presidential election is approaching. We – all the displaced persons, all of us – will support your candidacy for president. Prior to this we lived in difficult conditions, in very hard conditions. And now, thank God, buildings are under construction, you have provided us with excellent apartments. We are grateful to you for this.
President Ilham Aliyev: Everything is resolved consistently. Of course, first of all we resolved the problems of those who lived in tents. They lived in very difficult conditions for many years. Then we resolved the problems of those who lived in Finnish settlements. Outstanding now are those who live in dormitories, kindergartens and schools. We will resolve their problems too. The state has broader opportunities now and, most importantly, there is a state policy. At the center of our public policy are the citizens of Azerbaijan. The solution of problems of the most socially vulnerable population, i.e. the internally displaced persons, is our priority. This has been repeatedly stated both by the great leader and by me. Nothing can be more important. This settlement is an indicator in itself. At the same time, this is a new approach. In other words, private houses were and are still being built, especially in the countryside. But you have been living in an urban setting for 20 years now. So it was deemed appropriate to build urban homes here. All the houses and the settlement itself have been designed very well. This is a small town and about 3,500 people will live a comfortable life here. There is a medical center, a school and a kindergarten. I can see that there is a heating system, gas, electricity, water. This is all natural. As for jobs, do you work?

Vali Guliyev: I am retired now. I used to work in the past.

President Ilham Aliyev: Are you on pension?

Vali Guliyev: Yes, I am.

President Ilham Aliyev: How are the children?

Vali Guliyev: The children are working.

Ali Hasanov: Mr. President, you have told us to select places in such a way as not to lose jobs. In other words, not to address one problem by creating another. This is what we are doing.

President Ilham Aliyev: We are now building new roads, the circular road, as well as the Baku-Sumgayit road.

Ali Hasanov: Yes, it passes here.

President Ilham Aliyev: And the Masazir road has also been reconstructed.

International organizations are indicating now that the attention and approach manifested to this issue in Azerbaijan are exemplary for all other countries. The leaders, representatives of international organizations, representatives of foreign countries regularly come to such settlements to see them. In particular, those responsible for matters relating to refugees are explicitly saying that this issue is addressed at the highest level in Azerbaijan. In other words, such homes and such settlements are not built in any other country of the world.

In many countries there are problems with refugees and internally displaced persons. But the most successful method of addressing these problems is applied in Azerbaijan. You can see that elsewhere in the world –in the Middle East and other places – forced migrants are faced with huge challenges. Hundreds of thousands of people have become displaced. Such a thought-out solution of the issue as in Azerbaijan shows the way for those countries too. Such problems should be addressed in this way. Things are not limited to the construction of buildings. We approach these issues in a comprehensive manner –the aid, the funds allocated to every IDP, the jobs.
In terms of the number of refugees and displaced persons per capita, it is the highest in Azerbaijan. We have one million refugees and displaced persons. This is a big problem indeed. However, we are addressing this problem and will continue to do so. But, let me repeat, this is a temporary place. There is no doubt that we will return to these lands.

These are our historical and ancestral lands. The Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict must be resolved. The balance of power between our two countries has changed in our favor. The development of history, the ongoing developments suggest that we will restore our territorial integrity by all means. I am in no doubt whatsoever about that. Pay attention to the indicators of Azerbaijan and Armenia. We have an incomparable advantage over them in any field – in the solution of economic, political and social issues, in all the matters, in the issue of army building.

Of course, we want this issue to be resolved as soon as possible. But there are principles. This issue must be and will be resolved on the basis of international law, within the framework of territorial integrity of countries. No-one can stop the development of history. And the development of history, the development processes taking place in the region show that Armenia does not have any opportunities whatsoever to compete with Azerbaijan. It has no financial, economic, military or human resources. For our part, we are consistently taking all the necessary measures to address this issue. At the same time, we are creating such beautiful, albeit temporary, opportunities for our displaced persons. My congratulations again!

Vali Guliyev: Thank you very much, Mr. President. I also wish for our lands to be liberated with the grace of Allah, so that we could meet with you in Zangilan.

President Ilham Aliyev: Inshallah, thank you.

Vali Guliyev: Thank you very much, we thank you.

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During familiarization with the new settlement, it was brought to the attention of President Ilham Aliyev that this was the 78th settlement built for refugees and internally displaced persons to date. The settlement has been built in accordance with relevant provisions of the additions to the “State program on improving the living conditions and employment opportunities for refugees and internally displaced persons” approved by Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan from 2007. The Program proper was approved by Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan from 2004. The new settlement will accommodate 760 IDP families or a total of 3,420 IDPs who were temporarily placed at a campus of the Azerbaijan State Oil Academy. Of the IDPs, 460 are from Zangilan, 66 from Agdam, 52 from Jabrayil, 40 from Fizuli, 142 from Kalbajar, Lachin, Gubadli, Shusha, Khojaly and Khojavand Districts.

It was indicated that 90 out of 760 homes built in the new settlement which occupies an area of 12 hectares are one-room, 490 two-room, 170 three-room and 10 four-room. Also built in the settlement have been a school for 540 pupils, a kindergarten for 280 children, a community center, a health center, etc. The construction of the settlement quarter began in April last year and was completed in March this year.

Water, energy and gas networks of the settlement are connected to the communications system of Absheron District. A total of 83.9 million manats was spent on the construction of the settlement, which has been commissioned by the Fund on the social development of the internally displaced persons.

The President of Azerbaijan also reviewed the “Shafag” kindergarten for 280 kids.
It was indicated that the two-storey building of the kindergarten was fitted with the necessary equipment. It is well suited for raising and educating children. The music hall of the kindergarten also has all the necessary conditions.

Then President Ilham Aliyev visited Zangilan District secondary school No 33 for 540 pupils.
In the lobby of the school there are photo stands describing the meetings of great leader Heydar Aliyev and President Ilham Aliyev with the internally displaced persons in our country, their attention and care about education, as well as the master plan of the settlement.

While examining the school, the President was informed that it has modern equipment and all the conditions for effective learning. The attention and care of the President of Azerbaijan about the development of education in the country are evidence that this area is one of the major priorities of the state policy. This process is not limited to the capital alone, but covers the regions as well. It helps organize the education of our countrymen who were driven out of their homes at the highest level. Significant support for this program of activities carried out at state level is provided by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

President Ilham Aliyev visited the computer room and the gym of the school, watched a demonstration by athletes from the “Araz” sports club of Zangilan District.

The President was photographed with sportsmen.

President Ilham Aliyev also reviewed exhibits of a local history museum of Zangilan District on the second floor of the school.

After reviewing the school, the head of state had a meeting with the IDPs there.

Congratulating the ceremony participants, President Ilham Aliyev said:

- I cordially greet and congratulate you. Today we are celebrating the opening of a new neighborhood built for the internally displaced persons in the Masazir settlement. This is a great event. Once again I congratulate you on this wonderful event.

The neighborhood is based on the highest standards. It has beautiful apartments, a great school, a kindergarten, a medical center. The entire infrastructure has been created – electricity, gas, water and heating lines have been laid and roads built. In other words, this neighborhood has all the conditions for comfortable life.

The opening of this township demonstrates the policy of Azerbaijan once again. Our policy boils down to the fact that everything should be done for the citizens of Azerbaijan. The solution of problems of the internally displaced persons has been in the focus at all times. The first such settlement was built on the initiative of nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev. From that time to date, a total of 77 settlements have been built. This one is 78th. There are also many innovations here.

High-rise buildings have been constructed. I am confident that this policy will be successfully continued in the coming years, because the policy of nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev extends to all directions in Azerbaijan. This includes the solution of issues related to improving the living conditions and employment opportunities for the IDPs. Relevant executive orders have been signed and programs adopted. These are very precise programs. But most importantly, these programs are implemented in a timely manner.

A total of 20,000 internally displaced persons improved their living conditions last year. This year we will also improve the living conditions of at least 20,000 persons. This work will be carried out in the following years too.

Our state is successfully pursuing its policy in this regard. This year, funds in the amount of almost 600 million manats are to be allocated from all sources to address the problems of the internally displaced persons. Of this amount, more than 300 million manats will be spent on the construction of new settlements. At the end of last year we celebrated the opening of a similar neighborhood in the Mushfigabad settlement. And now we are here. Next new settlements will be built in Mingachevir, Ganja and other cities.

The Azerbaijani state is consistently resolving all the issues in this direction. As you know, at the first stage our attention was certainly focused on those of our compatriots who were living in the toughest conditions in tent-camps. We have managed to successfully implement that program ahead of schedule. In 2007, the last tent-camp was eliminated. After that, it was stated that the problems faced by the internally displaced persons living in Finnish townships, dormitories, schools, kindergartens would be resolved, and very important work has already been done in this direction. This year we will completely eliminate Finnish settlements, and the process of resettling the displaced persons living in dormitories to such settlements has begun. The citizens settled in the dormitories of Baku State University and the State Oil Academy, including you, are already being resettled to such lovely settlements.

I want to reiterate that this is a manifestation of public policy. There is a very strong social policy in Azerbaijan, and citizens of Azerbaijan are at the heart of all our work. Displaced people have suffered the most. In the aftermath of the Armenian aggression you lived in very difficult conditions for many years. Some displaced people are still living in difficult conditions. We are aware of that and are consistently resolving these issues – of course, within our possibilities.

In the first years our financial opportunities were not particularly extensive. But despite this, first allocations from the State Oil Fund were aimed at resolving the problems of the internally displaced persons on the instruction of great leader Heydar Aliyev. At that time, at a time when our financial resources were limited, the first large funds were spent on these purposes. Today, our economic and financial capabilities have greatly increased, of course. Therefore, the volume of the work we are doing has also increased. Let me repeat that funds in excess of 600 million manats will be spent for this purpose this year alone. This is a large amount. But it is also true that there are still displaced persons living in difficult conditions – both in Baku and in other cities and districts – in schools, in kindergartens, in military units, in dormitories.

These issues will be gradually resolved. This year new apartments will be provided to 20,000 persons. This township will be home to about 3,500 displaced people. In fact, this is a small township.

All this work being carried out once again demonstrates that the problems of the internally displaced persons are constantly in the spotlight. To this day, 140,000 internally displaced persons have been resettled to new houses and apartments. That is a lot of work – it is tantamount to the construction of a new city. We also need to know that Azerbaijan is a country with the largest number of refugees and displaced persons in the world. Azerbaijan's population is growing. But at the same time, the number of the internally displaced persons is also increasing. In 1992, it wasa million people, while now it has reached 1.1 million, perhaps even 1.2 million internally displaced persons.
Of course, this is an issue that requires tremendous funds. But let me repeat that social policy is conducted very successfully in Azerbaijan and the biggest funds are envisaged primarily for the solutionof problems of the internally displaced persons. This policy will be continued in the coming years too. Perhaps even greater amounts will be allocated in future years. But we also need to know that the largest amount ever - 300 million manats - was allocated from the State Oil Fund last year. The Oil Fund alone has allocated 100 million, 200 million in previous years, 300 million last yearand another 300 million manats this year. At the same time, 14 million manats were allocated from the Contingency Fund of the President earlier this year to take urgent measures. It is not ruled out that more funds will be allocated from the Contingency Fund to address these issues during the year.

The Azerbaijani economy is developing so fast that we do not have huge financial problems. But we are also resolving the financial problems facing the country. Among them, of course, the issue of improving the living conditions of the IDPs deserves particular attention. But there are other issues as well – infrastructureprojects, landscaping, creative work, reconstruction, etc. Our state budget is growing, but so are the costs. We still have a lot to do to successfully address these issues.

But while visiting one apartment today and talking toa displaced person, I noted and I want to say again that this is a temporary place of residence. After our lands have been freed from the occupiers, we will construct buildings and homes that will be even more beautiful than these. In particular, we will create even better conditions in Zangilan and other districts that have been subjected to aggression. The process of placement and resettlement of the internally displaced persons shows that we have these opportunities. If we have already managed to accommodate 140,000 people and 20,000 persons are provided with new apartments every year, it means that after the liberation of our lands from occupation in the near future we will restore all our towns and villages, build houses and create proper conditions. I am sure of that.I am in no doubt about that. Azerbaijan’s growing financial and economic power will make this possible.
As far as the solution to the main issue is concerned – the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict – Azerbaijan's position is unequivocal. This position is based both on historical justice and international law. The territorial integrity of Azerbaijan must be restored unconditionally.

Nagorno-Karabakh is native Azerbaijani land. All the lands that are currently under occupation are our historical lands. Azerbaijan will restore its territorial integrity. There are many factors that give reason to say that. These include legal, political, historical and economic factors.

All international organizations recognize the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. Not a single country recognizes and will ever recognize Nagorno-Karabakh as an independent entity. The territorial integrity of Azerbaijan must be restored. This is indicated by all the resolutions adopted by international organizations. In other words, these are the main legal and political conditions for the solution of the issue.

At the same time, the balance of powers in the region has changed in our favor. Today, Azerbaijan is the fastest growing country in the world. Armenia is plunging into a decline with every year. Our population is growing - it is already 9.3 million people. The population of Armenia even according to their own official statistics reduces by almost 100,000 people every year. So when I say that I am absolutely sure that Azerbaijan will restore its territorial integrity, I proceed from these factors. But at the same time, both I and all of us really want this issue to be resolved as soon as possible. We want immediate action to be taken and an end to be put to the occupation. Unfortunately, double standards and the double approachesexisting in the world do nothing to helpresolve the problem.

At the first stage of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, we can say that there was parity in military and economic spheres. But we have already changed this parity. Today the gap is very large. As the gap grows, international organizations and countries involved in this issue send new messages across: the problem should be resolved exclusively by peaceful means, no other option is possible.

Armenia has occupied our lands by military means. Then, in order to eliminate the consequences of the occupation, the UN Security Council adopted four resolutions. None of them has been implemented in 20 years. But how can it be possible that a resolution adopted on some other issue starts to be implemented on the same day, but whenit comes to us, the issue remains unresolvedfor 20 years, and all we hear is that the issue should be resolved only peacefully. Why? Because there are double standards! We have the full right, and international law recognizes our right to restore our territorial integrity by any means. The UN Charter has provisions that any country has the right to use every opportunity to defend itself. In the Helsinki Final Act, the principle of territorial integrity prevails over any other principle, including the principle of self-determination of peoples. However, I can say that the injustices, double standards, the Armenian lobby and its supporters in the world, as well as the passiveness of mediators, do not create the necessary conditions for a solution. But despite that, we will be even more assertive and consistent in our political and diplomatic efforts. We will further step up our activities in international organizations. At the same time, even more serious steps towards army building will be taken. We use every opportunity available to us to keep Armenia as isolated as it is now from economic and regional issues. I am confident that as a result of these complex measures and due to the growing power of our country we will restore our territorial integrity.

I want to say once again that I have no doubt whatsoever that we will return to our native lands, including Zangilan, Karabakh andShusha, and the flag of Azerbaijan will fly in all our cities. I have no doubt about that.
We simplywant to resolve this issue as quickly as possible, returnyou to our native lands, build beautiful buildings, houses, and set up settlements and cities for you.

Dear friends, I congratulate you on this wonderful event again. At the same time, an office building of the ZangilanDistrict Executive Authority has been built here. Ali Hasanov tells me that the Executive Authority did not have a separate office building before. There is a single center here now, albeit temporary. All structures of the districts will also be based here.

You can live well here.

Congratulations again!

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Expressing his gratitude to the President of Azerbaijan for the great attention shown to the IDP population, IDP from Zangilan District KhudushIsgandarov said:

- On behalf of the local public, the elders and myself personally,I would like to express my deep appreciationto you.

Thank you very much for the wonderful conditions you have created for us. Over the last 10 years, you have not only eliminated the tent-camps but, as you have said yourself, succeeded in building and commissioning 78 such settlements for the internally displaced people who were living in unacceptable conditions. This is the result of your attention and care about the internally displaced. It is also the result of the economic policies of the great leader and a creative development of his ideas.

I remember great leader Heydar Aliyev saving us, the people of Zangilan,from a major disaster. As you know, we spent two months in a blockade and lost about 250 people. If it hadn’t been for the great leader, not a single resident ofZangilan could have survived. Therefore,may Allah repose his soul. We are very proud that you are so strongly, firmly and courageously developing the state founded by the great leader. We support your internal and external policies and your wisdom.

Our dream is that your work is always successful. We wish you good health. We are confident that we will create the same conditions under your leadership in Zangilan. All the people of Zangilansupport you. You are supportedby the entire population of the republic, including the people of Zangilan. Thank you very much. God bless you.

Mr. President, the fact that you visit with the families of refugees and displaced persons, celebrate your birthdays and holidays in their homes inspires us all. What does this mean? This means modesty and humility. This is a manifestation of care and attention to the people. All the officials will probably draw a conclusion from that. Thank you very much. God bless you.

I am not a politician, but I want to say the following: let the whole world know that no force abroad or within the country can ever break the time-tested will of the Azerbaijani people. We unequivocally support the current president, will closely rally around him and always support him. God bless you!

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In conclusion, a picture was taken as a souvenir.