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Azerbaijan will protect the progress that it has achieved in recent years and ensure rapid development of the country, President Ilham Aliyev said at a meeting on addressing economic and social issues on January 18.

“We cannot give anyone an opportunity to use this situation for their own benefit,” said the president.

Most oil-rich countries, which are currently suffering from falling oil prices, do not increase social payments and wages, as Azerbaijan did, Ilham Aliyev said.

“I have no information regarding the increase of wages and pensions in any country in the current crisis conditions,” noted the head of state.

“This is a very serious social step. This is a manifestation of our strong social policy, and hundreds of millions of manats from the state budget will be spent for the implementation of this initiative.”

“I believe there is no necessity to explain what it means in the current circumstances,” he said. “It is not excluded to consider this question again during the year. Of course, the issue depends on our capabilities.”

Regarding the measures that led to a significant reduction in the cost of flour and bread, the president noted that this is a social initiative.

The president said the government first of all thinks about people, who are in a difficult situation, adding that in the future this area would be as transparent as possible.

“Those, desiring to benefit the current situation on their economic or political interests, will be punished,” said the president.

“Instigators, dealers, and speculators are severely punished, and will be punished,” President Aliyev said. “We will protect the progress achieved in Azerbaijan in recent years and ensure the rapid development of our country. We cannot give anyone an opportunity to use the situation for their own interest.”

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