Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev recently sat down for a compelling interview, where he addressed various significant topics ranging from the country’s international standing to its ongoing commitment to human rights and justice. Aliyev’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping Azerbaijan into a prominent global power, and he did not shy away from highlighting the challenges and responsibilities that come with this position.
Azerbaijan’s Strength on the Global Stage
When asked about Azerbaijan’s growing global influence, President Aliyev expressed his pride in leading a nation that has not only secured its place in the region but also on the international stage. “Thanks to your determination, Azerbaijan has become a power not only in our region but also globally,” noted Nigar Sabirgizi, a journalist who posed a question during the interview.
Aliyev responded with humility but highlighted that the responsibility he bears as the leader of Azerbaijan is immense. He explained, “First of all, it is a great responsibility… Second, it is a great honor.” Aliyev described how the perception of Azerbaijan has changed, particularly in the last few years. “We all live, wake up, and travel abroad with a completely different mindset,” he said. This shift, according to him, is a result of Azerbaijan’s resilience, both in achieving victory and in overcoming past injustices.
One of the most striking examples of Azerbaijan’s newfound global stature came in the form of a rare apology from Russian President Vladimir Putin. Following the controversial plane incident, Putin apologized to Azerbaijan, marking the first time Russia has issued an apology to another nation. Aliyev discussed how moments like these demonstrate the world’s acknowledgment of Azerbaijan’s power.
Azerbaijan’s Moral Duty on the World Stage
In the same interview, Aliyev also addressed Azerbaijan’s commitment to smaller nations and island communities suffering under the weight of neocolonialism. He emphasized Azerbaijan’s ongoing support for these marginalized regions, including those in West Africa and the Pacific islands. Azerbaijani television crews have ventured into these areas, capturing the struggles of ordinary people, often ignored by larger media outlets.
Aliyev noted that this involvement aligns with Azerbaijan’s moral stance, one rooted in the collective memory of the Azerbaijani people, who have endured similar injustices in the past. “We were in a very similar situation for many years,” he remarked, acknowledging that Azerbaijan’s struggle for independence parallels that of many smaller nations still under colonial oppression.
He also reflected on the situation in Corsica and New Caledonia, areas where local populations live in poverty despite being part of France. Aliyev was disturbed to learn that nearly 75% of the population in these regions lives in poverty. “Why should this happen in France?” he asked. Aliyev criticized France’s treatment of these regions, claiming it is an example of modern-day colonialism.
The Fall of Globalization
Turning the conversation to global trends, Guy Shawn raised a question about the future of globalization in light of shifting political tides, especially with the potential return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency. Aliyev expressed his belief that globalization, as it was understood in the past, is coming to an end. “It didn’t work,” he asserted. According to him, globalization was pushed as a trend for economic domination and cultural homogenization, particularly targeting younger generations in an attempt to strip them of their identities.
Aliyev described globalization as a tool used to create “people without culture, without nationality, without national identity,” who could be easily controlled by larger powers. This type of global unity, he explained, was never truly beneficial to smaller nations like Azerbaijan. For this reason, Azerbaijan had always remained vocal in its opposition to the forces of globalization. “I am sure it is done already; it is finished,” he concluded, signaling the end of an era.
The Struggle for Western Azerbaijanis’ Return
The final segment of the interview focused on the issue of the return of Western Azerbaijanis to their ancestral lands, particularly in the wake of the country’s recent victories. Aliyev emphasized the importance of returning to the lands that were once home to Azerbaijanis but were lost through years of occupation and deportation. “We cannot excessively exploit this Victory,” he cautioned, noting that while the country has achieved significant successes, it must not remain in a state of euphoria.
Aliyev outlined the ongoing efforts to facilitate the return of Western Azerbaijanis to their native lands, including the formation of public organizations and international lobbying. “The Western Azerbaijan Community and its activities have further improved, including its international activities,” he said. Despite the political challenges, Aliyev is optimistic that the day will come when displaced Azerbaijanis can return to their homes.
“We assert that 300,000 Western Azerbaijanis should return to those regions,” he stated. However, he acknowledged that the total number of displaced persons and their descendants is much higher. Aliyev pointed to historical maps, such as those created during the Russian Empire, showing Azerbaijani-origin toponyms in the regions that are now part of Armenia. “This is our historical land,” he declared, stressing that the claim is rooted in undeniable facts.
A Call for Justice and Human Rights
In closing, Aliyev addressed the need for justice in the broader context of human rights. He called for a meeting between Armenia’s Prime Minister and representatives of the Western Azerbaijan Community, emphasizing the human rights aspects of the issue. “These people were unjustly expelled from those lands. They have every right to return,” he said.
Aliyev pointed out that if Armenia considers itself a democratic nation, it must demonstrate this commitment by allowing the return of displaced Azerbaijanis. He also called for international support, particularly from the OSCE and the European Commission, to address this ongoing issue. He emphasized that the matter should not be ignored, as it pertains to restoring the rights of hundreds of thousands of people.
“If this does not happen, then what kind of European democracy can we speak of?” he asked, challenging Armenia to live up to its democratic ideals. He made it clear that Azerbaijan would not allow this issue to fade from the agenda. “This is a human rights issue, a matter of justice,” he stated firmly.
President Ilham Aliyev’s interview serves as a powerful reminder of Azerbaijan’s position as a rising global power committed to justice, human rights, and global solidarity. With a firm stance on the return of Western Azerbaijanis to their ancestral lands and a clear rejection of past global trends, Aliyev remains steadfast in his vision for the future of Azerbaijan and its role on the world stage. His leadership continues to shape not only the future of his country but also the broader international conversation on justice, human rights, and geopolitical dynamics.
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