Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences

“June 15 – National Salvation Day is not merely a date marked for the sake of the calendar; it is a sacred day that represents the salvation point of our sovereignty, when the independent Azerbaijani state and our people as a whole were rescued from the threat of destruction.

These remarks were made by the President of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), Academician Isa Habibbeyli, in his statement.

The academician noted that in the early 1990s, our republic was literally on the brink of collapse. Internal political crisis, the chaos engulfing the country, deep economic decline, and most tragically, Armenia’s occupation war launched in Karabakh had created a real fear of losing our independence. In such a desperate situation, the Azerbaijani people saw their only salvation in the great statesman Heydar Aliyev. This was because, even during the Soviet period, the National Leader had transformed our republic into one of the most advanced within the Union, and during his years in leadership in Moscow, he consistently prioritized the interests of his homeland and his people. His unwavering determination demonstrated against Armenian aggression during 1991–1993, while serving as Chairman of the Supreme Assembly of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, further strengthened the people’s trust in him.

It was precisely the persistent demand of the people, appeals from intellectuals and scholars, and the recognition by the country’s leadership that the only way out lay in the genius of the great leader that brought the National Leader to Baku. His boundless love for his people and homeland prevented impending disasters, saving the country from fratricide and civil war. On June 15, 1993, with the election of Heydar Aliyev as Chairman of the Supreme Soviet of the Republic of Azerbaijan, a solid foundation was laid for the country’s future development, economic revival, and the establishment of state institutions.

“Immediately after returning to power, one of the first strategic meetings of the National Leader was held on September 21, 1993, at the Academy of Sciences with leading scientists and intellectuals of the republic. This step was a clear demonstration of the exceptional importance the great leader attached to science and intellectual potential. In his programmatic speech at that historic meeting, the National Leader addressed the concerns of every citizen, especially intellectuals, and declared his lifelong devotion to his nation with the following words:

‘I have not struggled either to assume a position or to become the head of the Azerbaijani state... I can promise only one thing: I have always been loyal to the Azerbaijani people, to my nation, and to my land, and I will remain loyal for the rest of my life. Until the last minute of my life, I will serve my people, and I dedicate the remaining years of my life to them.’

Indeed, as a result of this far-sighted policy, lawlessness in the country was eliminated, a ceasefire was achieved on the front line, and through the “Contract of the Century,” large-scale foreign investments were attracted to the country. Comprehensive reforms implemented in areas ranging from army building to science, education, and culture transformed Azerbaijan into a reputable and reliable partner in the international arena.”

The President of ANAS also emphasized that the strategic course determined by the National Leader is being continued at the highest level by his worthy successor, President Ilham Aliyev, in accordance with the challenges of the modern world.

“Our victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s decisive leadership, as well as the historic Karabakh Victory achieved at the cost of the lives and blood of our patriotic and courageous youth raised in the spirit of the ideology of Azerbaijanism established by the National Leader, stands as the brightest pinnacle of our statehood history. With this great victory, President Ilham Aliyev has inscribed his name in our history in golden letters forever. The foundation and ideological basis of all these global achievements of modern Azerbaijan originate precisely from June 15 – National Salvation Day,” Academician Isa Habibbeyli added.

Translation by Gulhane Aghayeva, Department of Public Relations, Press, and Information, Presidium of ANAS.

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