Ilham Aliyev: "Armenia cannot be economic and military rival to Azerbaijan"

As APA informs, Mr. Aliyev said the world and the region witnessed a lot of changes in the last decade, and security issues in the region became more sensitive. At the same time, Azerbaijan's oil strategy was successful. "Some did not believe that Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline would come true. However, it came true," said Mr. Aliyev.

"When we launched the construction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Arzurum gas pipeline, it was a second plan, in the background of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan. However, the current gas problem in Europe makes this construction more urgent. Azerbaijan's natural resources now appear to be important for Europe. We should benefit from this opportunity. Azerbaijan will turn out to be a very reliable gas-rich country for Turkey and European countries. We are independent, none can influence us, because we have got enough opportunity to insure our success," said Ilham Aliyev.

The President stated that Armenia and Azerbaijan have been negotiating for a long time. The two countries were close to a consensus at certain periods, but different events prevented this. "Some improvements were achieved in the talks in the 90s. Then a terrorist act was committed in the Armenian parliament, and it almost broke the talks. Previously, the former Armenian President advanced a program that was close to reality, and met the international standards as well as Armenian national interests. A coup d'etat happened in Armenia and the progress of talks was broken again. Every time when the sides are close to agreement, something, that prevent the talks, happens", said Mr. Aliyev.

"The negotiations have acquired a new format in the past two years, in the framework of the Prague process, and it is a very positive ground for achieving a peace agreement. The Prague process approaches solving the problem in stages," said the President.

"Azerbaijan's stance remains unchanged. Nagorno Karabakh is part of Azerbaijan. The territorial integrity of Azerbaijan is recognized by the world and the UN as well. The conflict can be solved only in the framework of international juridical norms. The security and comfort of Armenians living in Nagorno Karabakh can be ensured. However, the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan is not a topic of discussions. We shall never consent to separation of Nagorno Karabakh from Azerbaijan," said Mr. Aliyev.

"I expressed our position to the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs who are dealing with this issue. The OSCE Fact-finding mission visited the region, the occupied territories. The Fact-finding mission revealed Armenians' illegal settling in the occupied territories. Between 10 and 15 thousand Armenians have been illegally settled there. This fact contradicts all international juridical norms. We have discussed stationing peacekeepers in the region. The Azerbaijani and Armenian authorities will negotiate on defining the future status of Nagorno Karabakh," the President told.

Reminding that our budget is four times more than that of Armenia, the President said this difference will be six times next year.

"Armenia cannot be economic and military rival to Azerbaijan", concluded Ilham Aliyev.