Azerbaijan became a powerful state: Russian expert

“The reason for the continuation of the Nagorno-Karabakh problem is the unwillingness of the Armenian leadership to resolve all issues related to the settlement of the conflict in practical terms. The occupation of the territories of Azerbaijan – not only of Nagorno Karabakh but also of seven surrounding districts continues. Despite the efforts of the mediators, despite four UN Security Council resolutions, Yerevan has not done anything to change the situation for the better, “a Russian military expert, editor-in-chief of the “National Defense” magazine Igor Korotchenko told Russian Bureau of Report.

“We have an unprecedented situation in recent history when another state occupies 20 % of the territory of a sovereign state, and the situation does not change positively.”

Speaking about the coming to power of Heydar Aliyev, the military expert noted that the national leader of the Azerbaijani people brought the country out of the most profound crisis: “When Heydar Aliyev came to power, the country was in a complicated situation. The main thing at that time was to put an end to the fighting, have a new beginning, gather forces, and restore the state. The decision made by Heydar Aliyev was the only correct one at that time. And today, 26 years later, we see that Azerbaijan, despite the occupation of 20% of the territories by Armenian troops, has become a powerful, prosperous, stable state. It restored armed forces, economy, diversified it, and has become an essential element of international strategic and energy stability. These 26 years have been successful for Azerbaijan.

“Today, the situation is changing. More and more people in the world began to understand the existing realities. Azerbaijan supports the UN Security Council. Demands for the full restoration of Azerbaijan’s sovereignty are voiced on the most authoritative international platforms. Plus, Azerbaijan strengthens the economy and the armed forces – all these factors will compile the Armenian leadership to reconsider the previous destructive approach.”