Azernews.Az

By Nigar Orujova

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev presided over a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on July 18 to discuss outcomes of the socio-economic development in the first half of 2013.

In the last quarter there were very serious, we can say, historical events associated with the energy policy of Azerbaijan, President Aliyev said in his opening speech.

"The route of the Southern Gas Corridor has been chosen. This is a historic event. For us it is as important as the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline and the Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum gas pipeline. As you know, the world's attention was focused on Azerbaijan. Decisions adopted in Azerbaijan, I am sure, will make a major change in the future energy map of the region. Selection of the route of the Southern Gas Corridor and the common position of the Shah Deniz Consortium on this issue should be regarded as a very positive development. This project will allow us to fully realize our gas potential, and, as I noted earlier, investments will be made in Azerbaijan's economy, measured in tens of billions of dollars," President Aliyev said.

He said Azerbaijan does not miss the initiative. "Our initiatives in the energy sector play a crucial role. Our initiatives are aimed at cooperation. Today, it is impossible to address issues of energy security without Azerbaijan. This is also a reality that I think everyone should know. Decisions taken in Azerbaijan are becoming crucial. Decisions adopted in Azerbaijan are indispensable contribution to energy security. Decisions taken in Azerbaijan will also say the final word on this matter in the future. It is reality. I think that everyone should know it. Of course, this further enhances the value of our country, once again confirms the importance of our country's policy for the region and the continent. This is our advantage. But, as I have always said, this advantage did not fall from the sky. We have created it with our selfless work, targeted policy and bold strides. Today it is impossible to separate energy issues from political ones. If we did not have the political strength, strong will, and if bold strides have not been taken, all this would be impossible. Everyone should know it," President Aliyev underlined.

The President went on to say that the recent military parade has showed the power of the Azerbaijani army.

"The weapons, ammunition and military equipment demonstrated at the parade are the latest models and the most powerful technique," the president said. "Helicopters, tanks, armored vehicles, artillery, air defense installation, other techniques have shown once again that the Azerbaijani army is one of the strongest armies in the world."

"The military parade was a report on the recent work conducted in the field of army building," he added. "Of course, I know that the Azerbaijani people were watching this parade with great interest and felt a sense of pride that the country has such a strong potential and a strong army. At the same time, the parade has caused great concern in Armenia. I know that hysteria, panic and fear experienced there after the parade has not disappeared until now. And this is natural, as the enemy saw Azerbaijan's power with its own eyes and once again understood that the country is ready for any option. By using the acquired technique, the country is able to destroy any enemy. As I said at the parade, we can speak with the enemy in any language. Along with all the political and diplomatic efforts, the country's military power will play a key role in resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict."

"Azerbaijan will continue building up its military power and buying the most modern equipment," he stressed. "As you know, the country has no problem with the purchase of this equipment. We buy the technique from different countries and at the same time produce it in Azerbaijan. The number of the countries willing to cooperate with Azerbaijan in the military sphere is increasing. The figures are indicated in the press that Azerbaijan has purchased weapons worth $1 billion from some countries and worth $1.6 billion from other countries. I can say that these figures do not reflect the reality. Actually, the country's military-technical cooperation is measured in figures, which greatly exceed the cited figures. We do not publicize the figures. We only comment on reports that appear from time to time in the foreign press. But we can make public all information, as the country's state budget is transparent and all our expenses are visible."

"The Armenian people must not be afraid of this," he stressed. "The Armenian people must fear their leadership, its activity, as well as bloodthirsty, insatiable, and mired in corruption criminal authorities that have plunged them into the current situation. As a result of these authorities' activity, about 100,000 Armenians leave their country forever every year. If this situation continues, there will be at least one million people in 5-6 years. The blame for this falls on the Armenian leadership as its aggressive and destructive policy, bloodthirsty and greedy nature has led Armenia to such a catastrophe. But our country is confidently moving forward. Azerbaijan is a strong country. Our country's strength will gradually increase. We must work harder to increase this strength."

Addressing the meeting, President Aliyev also voiced belief that his visit to the European Union in the last quarter was very important.

"This is my fifth visit to the European Commission as a president. Over the last ten years, I have paid five visits there. These visits indicate that relations are at a high level. But this visit was also very important. Especially if to consider that in the last year some European structures held a dirty campaign against Azerbaijan. I can say that the campaign has not stopped. Over the last decade, this campaign periodically revives or calms down. But as a trend, as a direction we see it constantly. Last year, the campaign turned into a very ugly one. It is enough to say that last year the European Parliament passed three anti-Azerbaijani resolutions. However, the same people were involved in making these resolutions, while the European Parliament consists of 750 MPs. Twenty, thirty and forty people were involved in making these resolutions. Of course, their opinion does not reflect the opinion of the European Parliament. However, they are using some procedural void, seeking to pass such resolutions," President Aliyev said.

In fact, it is not even worth talking about it, because in Azerbaijan no one pays attention to such resolutions, and they cannot affect the activity, he said. "However, as a trend, of course, we should note it. Presidential Administration and Milli Majlis provide tangible answers them. I do not want to say much about it. I just want to say that over the past year anti-Azerbaijani forces, pro-Armenian forces, which do not accept successful development of Azerbaijan, have stepped up their activities against Azerbaijan. And it is probably natural. Since the successful development of our country, especially its development in the years of crisis, the independent policy of our country and our specific position on every international issue do not satisfy everyone. At the same time stability, lovely atmosphere, great mood reigning in Azerbaijan, for sure, do not gladden those who live today in crisis conditions. Therefore, my visit to the European Union was of special importance, if to take into account that the anti-Azerbaijani forces exist in the Council of Europe, too. Indeed, they are a minority. Azerbaijan's active work in recent years and the growth of its international authority, of course, led to the fact that many international organizations have obtained complete information about Azerbaijan. But there are still prejudiced people, parliamentarians who do not accept Azerbaijan's success, and they are systematically trying to make attacks on Azerbaijan," President Aliyev said.

Last attempt in the Council of Europe was made in January of this year. "During the discussions of a report of the so-called "political prisoners" absolute majority of the members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe said "No" to this dirty initiative, and rejected this vile report. Parliamentarians of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe have defended the truth, justice, and raised their voice against double standards. As the appearance of this defame report was the sign of the principle of double standards. We see that in some countries the trend of Islamophobia is developing. Unfortunately, these trends are on the rise and are going in a negative direction. I always raise this issue at various meetings, as this makes us anxious," he said.

The president said Azerbaijan cooperates with the European institutions for many years.

"We are a member of the Council of Europe for more than ten years. We efficiently cooperate with the European Union, but there are such trends. So, one should determine today in what form this cooperation will continue in the future. We see that the general picture, of course, is positive and phenomena that I mentioned are of individual character. But there are such trends and we have to see it and talk about it. Therefore, my visit to the European Union was of special importance. We had to clarify many issues. We had to clarify how we will work together in the future, what the format of cooperation will be and how Azerbaijan's interests will be secured? I believe that my visit to the European Union and holding sincere meetings with the head of the European Union were very positive. I am very pleased with this visit. Many issues have been clarified and I believe that even more perfect ground for further cooperation has been created," President Aliyev said.

Every country, if it integrates into any structure, must know why it integrates. It is impossible to integrate blindfold, he said.

"I believe that in the coming years the relations between Azerbaijan and the European Union will develop and acquire strategic character. Anyway, it is our desire. But, I would like once again say that, these links must be based on mutual interest and mutual respect," President Aliyev said.

The president's speech was followed by reports of Finance Minister Samir Sharifov, Agriculture Minister Ismat Abasov and Transport Minister Ziya Mammadov.

The Azerbaijani President delivered a closing speech at the meeting.