Happy Victory Day!

World Azerbaijanis are celebrating one year anniversary of the liberation of their historical homeland Karabakh

Today marks the one year anniversary of the liberation of Karabakh, the historical, ancient homeland of the Azerbaijani people living in and around the mountainous district. Patiently waiting for more than three decades, nearly one million internally displaced persons from the first conflict were able to return to their homeland. The people of Azerbaijan, wherever they live all over the world, celebrate this momentous occasion with both joy and deep gratitude to those families who made great sacrifices, to the nearly 3,000 soldiers who lost their lives, and to the many wounded soldiers who fought so that grateful citizens could resume their lives in their homeland.

The process of clearing land mines and other hazards has begun and infrastructure is springing up throughout the newly liberated lands. Soon the people will be able to return to their ancestral homelands, bringing life and hope to a region desolated by the occupation. As is the long standing tradition in Azerbaijan, all peoples of every ethnic heritage and religious faith is welcome to live anywhere in Azerbaijan and enjoy the peace, security and prosperity of the country, including in Karabakh.

We look forward to peace in the region; stability brings prosperity and Azerbaijan has always and will continue their tradition of friendly relations with all neighbors who respect the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, without any regard for ethnic or religious distinctions. Azerbaijan is a country composed of an inclusive and cosmopolitan people, tolerant and welcoming to all. Already, Azerbaijan has built an international airport in Fizuli, one of the districts surrounding mountainous Karabakh, an important investment in the future of the region.

Azerbaijan Society of America