BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 27. The modern
history of Azerbaijan is rich in numerous important events.
However, among these events, some leave an indelible mark on the
people's memory, awaken the national spirit, and change the course
of history. September 27, 2020, is one of such days. This date is
the beginning of the just struggle of the Azerbaijani people for
their lands, a symbol of national unity and heroism, and also the
first page of a historical victory.


As a result of the military aggression launched by Armenia
against Azerbaijan in the early 1990s, Karabakh and seven
surrounding districts - Lachin, Kalbajar, Aghdam, Fuzuli, Jabrayil,
Zangilan, and Gubadli - were occupied by Armenia. Following this
occupation, about a million Azerbaijanis were displaced from their
homeland. During the occupation, settlements were destroyed and
civilians were mercilessly killed.


The Minsk Group of the CSCE (now the OSCE), established on March
24, 1992, to resolve the conflict, has tried to freeze the issue
rather than resolve it, and thus the negotiations conducted over
the years have been fruitless.


Azerbaijan has always demonstrated its commitment to
international law and tried to resolve the conflict through
negotiations. However, the Armenian negotiation process has not
yielded results due to Armenia's destructive position.


For 30 years, Armenia has been committing provocations,
regularly shelling Azerbaijani civilians, and not allowing them to
live comfortably.


However, the Azerbaijani people have never reconciled with the
occupation. On September 27, 2020, the Armenian armed forces
grossly violated the ceasefire regime along the front. By order of
the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Victorious Supreme
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ilham Aliyev, the
Azerbaijani Army launched a counter-offensive operation on
September 27 in response to the enemy provocation. Thus, the Second
Karabakh War began.


This war was the war of the Azerbaijani people for truth,
justice, and territorial integrity. Under the leadership of the
victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, the Azerbaijani
Army wrote history with the support of the people. The army, with
its professionalism, ability to use high technologies, and the
dedication of our soldiers and officers, broke through the Armenian
occupiers' defense lines one by one and liberated large territories
in a short time. As a result, as a result of the successful
counter-offensive operation launched by the Azerbaijani Army in
Karabakh on September 27, five cities, four settlements, and 286
villages were liberated from occupation by November 9. On November
10, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, the Prime Minister
of Armenia, and the President of Russia signed a declaration of a
ceasefire in the conflict zone.


A statement on the complete cessation of fire and all military
operations. As a result of the continuation of the victory achieved
on the military level on the political level, after 44 days of the
Second Karabakh War, Aghdam, Kalbajar, and Lachin were returned to
Azerbaijan without a single shot being fired. The Second Karabakh
War ended with the historic victory of Azerbaijan.


The liberation of Azerbaijani lands from occupation is not only
a military success, but also the restoration of the dignity,
national identity, and statehood traditions of the Azerbaijani
people.


Azerbaijani martyrs who lost their lives in this war and
Azerbaijani veterans who lost their health will always remain a
source of pride in the memory of the Azerbaijani people throughout
history.


This glorious history, written with their sacrifice, will be an
example for future generations. The people united like an "iron
fist" for a common goal and taught the enemy a historical lesson.
This is also a shining example of the people's belief in their own
strength as a nation.


Azerbaijani soldiers and officers defended the homeland with all
their hearts, fearlessly facing death. This heroism of theirs is a
source of pride for both history and the people. Their bravery now
lives not only in history books, but also in poems, songs, films,
and memories. This is also a symbol of their immortality.


The people of Azerbaijan are now victorious; their status has
changed - they are known to the world as a strong, sovereign, and
fighting people. A period of reconstruction, construction, and
development has begun in the liberated territories. This means that
victory is not only a memory of the past, but also the foundation
of the future. The Second Karabakh War not only made the
Azerbaijani people victorious but also strengthened the Azerbaijani
national identity, consolidated the people's unity, and comforted
the souls of Azerbaijani martyrs. Now it's up to the Azerbaijani
people to keep alive the inner meaning of this victory and build
life, culture, and prosperity in the liberated lands.