Azernews.Az

By Sabina Idayatova

The Azerbaijani parliament held a special session dedicated to the 90th anniversary of national leader Heydar Aliyev on Tuesday.

Speaking at the session, Parliament Speaker Ogtay Asadov said the activity of Heydar Aliyev had laid the foundation of the political and economic independence of Azerbaijan.

"After Heydar Aliyev`s coming to power in the early 1990s, the country started economic and political reforms," Asadov said. "The signing of contracts with foreign companies led to the revival of the oil industry and an influx of billions of dollars worth of investment into the country. The State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan was established with the purpose of using oil revenues for improvement of the population's well-being. The rapid development of the oil sector created conditions for the development of the non-oil sector."

Asadov went on to say that Azerbaijan`s integration to the European community became a reality, and the formation of effective social and economic policies as well as a powerful military began in Azerbaijan.

Deputy Chairman of the ruling Yeni (New) Azerbaijan party Ali Ahmadov, for his part, said that the wealth of each nation is shaped by its historical figures.

"The historical figures show the strength of the nation. Heydar Aliyev holds a special place among such individuals. The Azerbaijani people and government have always highly valued his merits. A large part of the modern Azerbaijani history is connected with his name," Ahmadov said.

Addressing the event, Chairman of the parliament's permanent commission on regional issues, Arif Rahimzade, said that Heydar Aliyev had the ability to make difficult and responsible decisions.

"The special place belongs to Heydar Aliyev among the great personalities of Azerbaijan, and his ideas continue to serve the Azerbaijani people even today," Rahimzade said.

Vice Speaker Bahar Muradova, MPs Fattah Heydarov, Zeynab Khanlarova, Eldar Ibrahimov, Ali Huseynov and others also spoke about the role of Heydar Aliyev.

Meanwhile, the Azerbaijani parliament unanimously passed an amnesty bill timed to the 90th anniversary of Heydar Aliyev. The amnesty act had been initiated by Azerbaijani First Lady, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, MP Mehriban Aliyeva.

According to the document, the amnesty will affect 9,000 people, and over 2,000 of them will be released.