 | 83rd anniversary of ADR marked |
The Day of Republic was officially marked in Azerbaijan on May 28. 83 years ago, the people of Azerbaijan adopted the declaration of independence and established the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. By Elmira Vezirova Azernews Staff Writer
The Republican Palace hosted an official ceremony on May 26, which saw President Aliyev deliver a two-hour speech. The president described the establishment of the Democratic Republic in 1918 as a landmark event in the history of Azerbaijan. ADR, which lived only for 23 months but accomplished a great deal nonetheless, ceased to exist for a number of reasons. Russia, swept over by a wave of Communists and Bolsheviks, attacked the Caucasus. Naturally, the young and defenseless republic could not offer serious resistance to the powerful Russian army and was defeated. The president said another reason for the defeat was the absence of unity within the republic.
Then the President dwelt largely on the 70-year Soviet era in the history of Azerbaijan. Those years, he said, were tragic on the one hand, but, on the other, brought an indispensable contribution to the economic development and education of people.
This year will see the 10th anniversary of Azerbaijan's second independence, the first years of which overlapped with probably the most difficult period yet - beginning of Armenian aggression. Although there was no solid and reliable army then, the then Azerbaijan government should have mobilized every once of national energy and resources to safeguarding the homeland, the president said. However, the leaders of Azerbaijan only thought of staying in power, while Armenians were allowed to do whatever they wanted, the head of state said.
The President also spoke in detail of Azerbaijan's integration with the international community, its current economic situation, state budget, and the Oil Development Fund.
Touching upon the Garabagh conflict, the President said today Azerbaijan has a strong army capable of liberating the occupied territories in a military way. "At the present time, however, it is not necessary", he said.
The last statement by the President stirred harsh feelings among those advocating for military solution. The opposition marked the holiday by visiting the graves of M.E. Rasulzadeh and A. Elchibay.
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Issue No.22(204), 2001
83rd anniversary of ADR markedLocal business to receive boostCaucasus G4 summit agenda agreed uponNews digestNationBusinessOil & gas news
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