A beginning of latest history
Turan Rzayev
Azerbaijan is on the threshold of another historic event. This event can be called the beginning of our recent history. We are talking about the V Congress of World Azerbaijanis, which will be held on April 22-23 in Shusha, the cultural capital of Azerbaijan, liberated from enemy occupation by our mighty Army under the leadership of Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev. The fact that the V Congress of World Azerbaijanis coincides with the period of large-scale reconstruction in our liberated lands, especially in Shusha, the cultural capital of Azerbaijan, has historical significance and symbolic meaning:
First, Shusha is an important city for Azerbaijan, both spiritually and culturally. It is no coincidence that during the 28 years of occupation, the city of Shusha has become a symbol of confidence in victory. The value and symbolic meaning of the city of Shusha, which increased during the occupation process, is still evident today. Thus, the V Congress of World Azerbaijanis to be held in Shusha will go down in history as the Victory Congress. Undoubtedly, this historical reality is the result of the leadership, thoughtful and decisive policy of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev.
Secondly, about 400 diaspora representatives from 65 countries are expected to attend the Congress. This is an invaluable opportunity to declare to the world that the liberated territories have returned to their rightful owners. Winning does not mean the end of the process. This victory must be promoted worldwide. Unfortunately, we have to promote the liberation of our ancient lands. Although this is an obligation for us today, it is an important point so that the process does not flare up again in the future.
An important point related to the V Congress of World Azerbaijanis will be the first big meeting of our diaspora after the liberation of Karabakh, which in recent years has demonstrated high organization and unity, playing a special role in informing the international community about the realities of Azerbaijan. It will also be an important event in terms of coordinating the activities of our compatriots living abroad, organizations, the realization of the idea of national solidarity and unity.
Admittedly, the Azerbaijani diaspora has long lagged behind the Armenian diaspora in competition. However, the major steps taken over the past four years, such as the establishment of 14 Coordinating Councils covering 31 countries and the establishment of 18 Azerbaijani Houses in 12 countries, have borne fruit in the 44-day war. At a time when the war was in full swing, the Azerbaijani Diaspora held about 200 rallies in more than 30 countries to end Armenia’s policy of aggression and restore Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.
About 300 diaspora organizations operating in more than 50 countries have sent statements and appeals to heads of state and government, members of parliament and international organizations. As a result, the holding of the V Congress of World Azerbaijanis in our cultural capital Shusha, as well as the participation of about 400 representatives of the diaspora from 65 countries in the congress is an important event in terms of our recent history.
The writer is a political analyst at the Center for International Relations and Diplomatic Studies