Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis (National Assembly) has adopted a statement marking Sept. 27 — Remembrance Day.
Operative Information Center-OMM presents the text:
“Sept. 27 holds a special place in the historical memory of our people and carries great moral and public-political significance as a symbol of our unwavering national unity.
This day marked the beginning of the three-year victorious campaign that ended the occupation of Azerbaijan’s ancestral lands, restored historical justice and established the state’s sovereign rights throughout its entire territory.
The declaration of Sept. 27 as Remembrance Day by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev expresses the profound respect of the state and the people for the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
The courage and valor of our martyrs, as well as the historic victory achieved through their sacrifices and those of their comrades-in-arms at the highest level of patriotism, have become an eternal embodiment of Azerbaijan’s dignity and strength.
The Patriotic War, which began on Sept. 27, 2020, and lasted 44 days, was a turning point in our country’s history. The brilliant victory of Azerbaijan’s Armed Forces led to the liberation of a large part of our lands that had been under the occupation of the Republic of Armenia for nearly 30 years and changed the military and political reality that had emerged in the region over previous decades.
The Republic of Azerbaijan itself ensured implementation of the four well-known United Nations Security Council resolutions that remained on paper and called for the restoration of the country’s territorial integrity and the liberation of the occupied lands, as well as relevant documents adopted by other international organizations.
This historic victory was the result of many years of targeted work to strengthen the state, develop the economy, improve the national security system, increase defense capabilities, create a modern professional army, enhance the country’s international standing, and educate the younger generation in the spirit of patriotism and responsibility for the country’s fate, in line with the political course defined by National Leader Heydar Aliyev.
The key factor in the victory in the 44-day Patriotic War was the political and military leadership of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ilham Aliyev. In the conditions of combat operations, the unity of state governance, the army and society, the ability to make operational decisions, and the capacity to direct the country’s resources toward achieving the stated objective played an important role. His command skills, unwavering political will and strategic foresight made an exceptional contribution to achieving the set goals.
The military victory was achieved thanks to the courage and heroism of Azerbaijani soldiers and officers who honorably fulfilled their military duty to the Motherland. Every liberated city and village, and every height, bore witness to their bravery. Many servicemen were awarded the title of National Hero of the Patriotic War and other high state honors. The courage and heroism of the sons of Azerbaijan who sacrificed their lives and blood to liberate their native lands from enemy occupation represent one of the brightest pages in our people’s history of heroism.
Regrettably, during the military operations, the Armed Forces of Armenia grossly violated the norms and principles of international law, including the Geneva Conventions of Aug. 12, 1949, and committed horrific crimes against civilians. Attacks on cities and districts far from the front line using ballistic missiles, as well as banned white-phosphorus and cluster munitions, constituted war crimes and crimes against humanity. More than 100 civilians, including 11 children, were killed and over 450 people were wounded as a result of these bloody crimes.
Despite the enemy’s atrocities, the Azerbaijani army consistently complied with the norms of international humanitarian law, targeting only the enemy’s armed forces and military facilities and not allowing harm to be inflicted on civilians or residential areas. Our lands were liberated from occupation at the cost of the blood and lives of our heroic martyrs, soldiers, officers and veterans.
The military and political processes that began in the autumn of 2020 continued three years later. As a result of the one-day anti-terror operation conducted from Sept. 19 to 20, 2023, the criminal junta regime established by Armenia was brought to an end, and Azerbaijan’s sovereignty was restored throughout its entire territory. This outstanding achievement was the logical continuation and conclusion of the historic victory achieved in the 44-day Patriotic War.
In the public consciousness of the Azerbaijani people, Sept. 27 — Remembrance Day, Nov. 8 — Victory Day, and Sept. 20 — State Sovereignty Day are essentially interconnected. Remembrance Day recalls the sacrifices required to achieve freedom, Victory Day embodies the triumph of justice, and State Sovereignty Day expresses the establishment of the rights of the Azerbaijani state throughout its entire territory.
The Azerbaijani state keeps the social protection, medical rehabilitation, housing and employment of martyrs’ families and veterans under constant focus. The Heydar Aliyev Foundation, led by First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva, carries out targeted and sustained measures in this area.
Consistent work is being carried out in the country to immortalize the memory of the martyrs. Memorial complexes, monuments and museums are being established, while streets, schools and other public facilities are being named after the heroes.
The Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan expresses its profound respect for the dear memory of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the Motherland and its gratitude to the soldiers and officers who risked their lives on the battlefield and contributed to the great victory.
The dear memory of the martyrs of the Patriotic War will live forever in the hearts of our grateful people as the highest expression of love for the native land and self-sacrifice. Their valor will never be forgotten, and their names will remain forever in the history of our statehood.
A free, strong, united and sovereign Azerbaijan is the greatest monument to our martyrs.”
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The Milli Majlis is discussing a statement marking Sept. 27 — Remembrance Day.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the document, included on the agenda of today’s first meeting of parliament’s autumn session, will be put to a vote after the discussions.
Deputy Ramid Namazov is reading the statement.
