[naewoeilbo내외일보] Su Han, Lee 이수한 기자 = Today, on November 8, Azerbaijani people are celebrating the First Anniversary of the Victory gained at the 44-Day Patriotic War in 2020.

Late 1980’s and the beginning of 1990’s witnessed the occupation of Azerbaijani territories that ended with the loss of 20% of our territories. Despite several calls by the international community including UN Security Council resolutions that demanded immediate, complete and unconditional withdrawal of Armenian forces - Armenian occupation continued up until last year.

Negotiation process aimed at the peaceful resolution of the conflict failed due to aggressive policy of Armenia. Azerbaijan has been left no other choice but to respond to the Armenian aggression and provocations militarily. It was exactly one year ago when Azerbaijani Armed Forces began responsive measures to counter another military provocation of the occupiers.

Under the leadership of the Commander in Chief, H.E. Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan put an end to 30-year-long policy of aggression. Azerbaijan ensured its territorial integrity, and the fundamental rights of nearly one million displaced Azerbaijanis were restored.

Azerbaijan, alone ensured the implementation of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions of 1993.

Azerbaijan’s 44-Day Patriotic War climaxed with the liberation of Shusha on November 8, 2020 which led to our glorious victory. Namely, after the liberation of Shusha, Armenia was forced to sign an act of capitulation.

According to this act of surrender, the remaining occupied territories were returned to Azerbaijan without a single shot being fired and the tricolor Azerbaijani flag was raised there as well.

Azerbaijan has won the war both on the battlefield and in the political arena. The people of Azerbaijan have been waiting for this day for about 30 years.

A new era is beginning for Azerbaijani people now – a period of creation. Unfortunately, Azerbaijan's territories were turned into ashes during 30 years of occupation; the enemy has destroyed all the occupied lands. All buildings, all historical sites, mosques, graves, cemeteries have been destroyed.

But Azerbaijan will restore them all and turn the liberated territories into one of the most attractive places to live and visit.

Long live victorious, sovereign and independent Azerbaijan!