KHANKENDI, Azerbaijan, September 11. More than
40,000 former internally displaced persons (IDPs) have already
returned to Azerbaijan's Karabakh, the Assistant to the President
of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy
Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, Hikmet
Hajiyev, said in his speech at the Culture Center in Khankendi
during the visit of the representatives of the diplomatic corps
accredited in Azerbaijan to Karabakh and East Zangezur, Trend's correspondent sent
to Karabakh and East Zangezur reports.
Hajiyev noted that, as part of the reconstruction and
restoration efforts, representatives of the diplomatic corps
entered Azerbaijan through the southern gateway, Fuzuli, and
traveled toward the center of Karabakh via new tunnels. According
to him, in the next stage of the visit, the delegation will leave
Karabakh through the western gateway and travel to another city in
Azerbaijan.
"All these changes have taken place in just six years. This has
required immense effort from the Azerbaijani government and the
people of Azerbaijan. You can witness our complete commitment to
this undertaking," Hajiyev stated.
The Presidential Aide emphasized that large-scale construction
and restoration work is underway in cities and settlements along
the route to Karabakh.
"Since 2020, more than 45 different settlements have been
rebuilt and restored, and handed over for use by former internally
displaced persons. They are rebuilding their lives in this part of
Azerbaijan. In total, approximately 100,000 civilians are working,
living, and studying in Karabakh. This represents the unique
experience Azerbaijan has gained in the field of post-conflict
reconstruction and restoration," Hajiyev said.
He noted that this experience of Azerbaijan could also be
applied in other regions of the world affected by conflict and
war.
Speaking about Karabakh, Hajiyev emphasized the particular
importance of the issue of cultural heritage. According to him,
Karabakh has been, is, and will continue to be the heart of culture
for Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijani people.
"Unfortunately, during the years of occupation, Azerbaijan's
cultural heritage suffered destruction. However, we are restoring
the cultural heritage of the Azerbaijani people, as well as all
cultural heritage located in Karabakh and other regions of
Azerbaijan. We will continue to make additional efforts toward the
restoration, reconstruction, and preservation of cultural
heritage," he said.
The Presidential Aide noted that the visit also includes a trip
to two church complexes located in the northern part of
Karabakh.
"These are ancient Christian churches. We value and cherish them
highly, and we are preserving them for future generations. I am
confident that during our visit, we will have the opportunity to
gain firsthand insight into the reconstruction and restoration
concepts currently being implemented," Hajiyev said.
Hajiyev emphasized that the mine threat poses a serious obstacle
to the reconstruction and restoration work Azerbaijan is carrying
out in the liberated territories.
He noted that implementing the reconstruction and restoration
process in the liberated territories is no easy task.
"We didn't move from a negative situation to zero, nor did we
start from scratch—we started from minus five. These territories
still suffer from mine contamination. This is a massive challenge
facing us," Hajiyev said.
The Presidential Aide noted that another mine incident occurred
yesterday. Today, reports were received of yet another mine
incident while traveling to Khankendi, resulting in injury to a
civilian.
"This hinders our reconstruction and restoration efforts.
However, it cannot shake our resolve and determination to complete
the reconstruction and restoration work as quickly as possible and
to ensure the dignified and safe return of our displaced persons
and former displaced persons," Hajiyev stressed.
