The President Ilham Aliyev attended the opening ceremony of “Gobu Park” residential complex built for IDPs in Garadagh district of Baku

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Mətbuat xidmətinin məlumatı 24 MAY, 2018

On May 24, Ilham Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva attended the opening ceremony of “Gobu Park” residential complex built for IDPs in 3 km eastern part of Lokbatan-Gobu highway in the north-east of Lokbatan settlement in Garadagh district of Baku. According to AZERTAC, Rovshan Rzayev, the Chairman of the State Committee for Refugees and IDPs and representative of Pasha Holding, project manager Kamil Aliyev informed the head of our state on the work done in the complex. It was noted that the total area of the residential complex is 6.4 hectares. The project customer is Pasha Holding and the contractor is “Crystal Absheron” HCC. The foundation of the residential complex was laid on May 30, 2017 with the participation of the First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva. Construction works were carried out at a high level and completed in May of this year. 11 9-storey residential buildings with 2 blocks, and 1026 apartments were constructed under the project. The residential complex includes a three-storey school building and a kindergarten. The new residential complex has other necessary infrastructure facilities – 350-seat ceremonial house, post offices, medical centers, police stations and an office of housing operations. 35 thousand kilowatt substation was built, recreation park, playgrounds for children were made in the said territory. A special attention was paid to the construction of electricity, water, gas, heating supply and irrigation system, communication and television network, and sewage network was built. The head of our state was informed that this residential complex is the 98th of such complexes built for IDPs. The measures taken by the President Ilham Aliyev for ensuring the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, the work done to improve the living conditions of refugees and internally IDPs show that our compatriots from this category are always covered with care and attention. Relocation of refugees and IDPs from temporary shelters and tents to the settlements built complying with modern requirements is a manifestation of the state`s attention to these people. State programs were adopted to improve the material well-being of refugees and IDPs, and significant measures were taken to increase social benefits. One of the important steps taken in this direction was to hold a consultation on the relocation of refugee and internally displaced families temporarily settled in the dormitories of Baku and Sumgait under the leadership of the First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva on March 9, 2017. Making a speech at the meeting, Mehriban Aliyeva gave instructions to improve the living conditions of IDPs residing in severe conditions, damaged and useless buildings. In May 2017, the foundation of “Umid” residential complex built for 1026 internally displaced families in Garadagh district was laid. 470 apartments were provided to IDPs in Masazir, Mehdiabad settlements of Absheron district, as well as Ramana settlement of Sabunchu district. The President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva got acquainted with the conditions provided in the apartments of the new complex. It was reported that 108 of these apartments are single-room, 396 are two-room, 360 are three-room, and 162 are four-room. The total area of the apartments is 73 thousand square meters. All apartments were repaired and supplied with kitchen furniture. 1026 internally displaced families residing in damaged buildings will be provided with apartments in the new residential complex. It should be noted that as a result of the process started with the removal of 12 camp sites in the country in 2007, residential complexes consisting of modern settlements and multi-storey buildings with an area of 3.2 million square meters have been built for refugees and IDPs until now. The living conditions of 52,500 families or 265,000 refugees and IDPs have been improved by now. 2,3 billion manat were spent on this work. 6.6 billion manat were spent on the solution of social problems of people from this category so far. The Social Development Fund of IDPs provided microcredits in the amount of 14,8 million manat to 24 thousand IDPs and the National Fund for Entrepreneurship Support provided preferential loans in the amount of 40 million manat to 2 thousand IDP entrepreneurs. In the past period, 200 thousand IDPs were provided with permanent jobs in budget organizations and other sectors. Thus, the poverty rate among IDPs has dropped from 75 percent to 12 percent within the last 15 years. Then the head of our state and the first lady got acquainted with conditions provided in “Shirin Bala” kindergarten for 222 children. It was noted that all possibilities are available here for educating and training children. The kindergarten for eleven groups was made matching the taste of children and it will ensure their comfort, recreation and getting basic knowledge. Rooms and corridors were decorated with pictures of children`s favorite tale heroes. The video surveillance, fire alarm systems were installed in the building, the kindergarten was supplied with necessary furniture-inventory and equipment. Large-scale renovation and construction work was carried out in the area of the kindergarten, different flowers and trees were planted. Renovation and construction work was carried out work in the surrounding area. Later, the President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva got acquainted with the conditions of the secondary school built in the residential complex, and they were informed that this educational center is for 624 students. All conditions for education and training were created in this educational center, which is distinguished by its high-quality, modern training equipment. Students will learn about the secrets of information technology in the computer room of the school. The gym is also supplied with the necessary equipment and there is every opportunity for students to engage in physical education. It is possible to hold various events in the assembly hall. The attention and care provided by the President Ilham Aliyev to the development of education confirms that this area is one of the important principles of the state policy. This process is not limited to the capital alone, it also covers the regions and serves for our compatriots displaced from their homeland to get a high level of education. The support provided by Heydar Aliyev Foundation to this action program carried out at the state level is selected by its rarity. After getting acquainted with the school, the President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva met IDPs. The head of our state made a speech at the meeting. Speech of the President Ilham Aliyev - Dear friends, I wholeheartedly congratulate you on the opening of “Gobu Park” residential complex. This great event once again shows that Azerbaijani citizens, our compatriots living in severe conditions, IDPs are always in the center of attention. Establishment of this complex reflects the policy of Azerbaijan and is a manifestation of care provided to IDPs. This great residential complex has been built for just a year. The foundation of this complex was laid a year ago. Mehriban Aliyeva attended the groundbreaking ceremony back then. This great residential complex has been made for just a year. The entire infrastructure of the complex that we have gathered today for the opening had been made. Electricity, water, gas lines, all infrastructure issues were solved, roads were built, a road for access to both intra-settlement road and highway was made. Eleven nine-storey residential buildings were built, and great conditions were created. I have now got acquainted with the apartments. The total area of the apartments is 73 thousand square meters. Great school – for 624 students, kindergarten – for 220 children, medical center, post office, police station, i.e. all the conditions for living have been provided at the highest level. Beautiful public zones were made, trees were planted, parks were laid. I think that this is one of the centers which is distinguished by its beauty and amenities among IDP complexes. The speciality of this complex is that the private sector was actively involved in its construction, in fact, this sector was its initiator and executor. Recently, entrepreneurs have been implementing a number of social projects. I have repeatedly expressed my opinion on this issue and said that the social responsibility of entrepreneurs should be increased. Favorable conditions have been created for entrepreneurs in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is a great country for entrepreneurship. A great investment climate is being created. The country has stability and tranquility. Business development is our state policy. About 80 percent of our gross domestic product is formed in the private sector. In that case, I always appealed to entrepreneurs and advised them to pay greater attention to social projects. This is the largest-scale project among the work done in this area. So far, entrepreneurs have been actively engaged in the construction of a school, kindergarten. However, this is the first time that a residential center is built on such a scale. Entrepreneurs also participated in financing of this residential complex. The state did not allocate funds for the establishment of this complex. Therefore, I would like to express my gratitude to Pasha Holding, who implemented this project. “Pasha Holding” is engaged in major construction works in Azerbaijan, puts major investments in various fields of the country`s economy, and it used all reasonable endeavours and achieved to create thousands of jobs. Today, this company`s social responsibility is pretty obvious. I think this wonderful initiative should be an example for other big companies. I am sure that in the next few years, the private sector will also actively participate in construction of new settlements and centers to be built for IDPs. However, certainly, the government is responsible for the main issue, main work. Recently, about 100 settlements have been built and put into operation for IDPs by the state fund. I personally participated in the opening of many of them. We provide thousands of IDPs with apartments every year. This year, 20 thousand IDPs will be provided with new apartments, houses. There are 1026 apartments in this residential complex. It means that 1026 families will live here in good conditions. The State Program on solving the problems of IDPs and improving their living conditions and increasing employment is successfully being implemented. As I mentioned, nearly a hundred IDP settlements were built. The state allocated billions of dollars for these purposes. As I said, every year thousands of families are provided with houses. By the end of this year, 285 thousand IDPs will be provided with houses as a result of the work done over the past years. About 20 thousand of them will move to new houses this year. The state continues its policy in this direction. As I said, the private sector is also involved in these activities. And this is natural. Companies with enough resources should provide conditions for those in need. I am sure that this great initiative will widely spread in Azerbaijan. And the state will try to address the problems of IDPs hereinafter as well. Both this year and the next year, social projects will be implemented. As I mentioned, we made great achievements in these activities. I would like to particularly underline the restoration of Jojug Marjanli among these activities. Last year, I participated in the opening of that settlement after restoration. Currently, there are 150 houses, a school, kindergarten and mosque therein. We built a mosque in Jojug Marjanli similar to Shusha mosque destroyed by the Armenians. Restoration of Jojug Marjanli is a sign of the unbending spirit of the Azerbaijani people. This once again shows that the Azerbaijani people will never reconcile with the occupation and all IDPs live with one dream - to return to their homeland. And I am sure that we will succeed it. Restoration of Jojug Marjanli was possible after the result of April war, our brilliant victory. Restoration of this settlement was possible after a part of Aghdara, Fuzuli, Jabrail regions was liberated from the occupiers. The Azerbaijani Army once again demonstrated its power. The Azerbaijani people once again showed that they will never come to terms with the occupation and they will return to their homeland at any cost and restore the territorial integrity of our country. I want to say once again that we see the dreams and intentions of IDPs in the example of this settlement. Citizens from Jojug Marjanli, people lived in different places for many years prefer to come to their village as soon as possible. Now life is revived, suitable conditions are provided, and the entire infrastructure is created to live and work therein. This once again shows that we will soon restore all our cities after liberating them from the occupation. Our historical monuments, mosques, museums in our occupied territories were ruined and ravaged by disgraced neighbors. All our cities were destroyed. This is unprecedented vandalism. The view of these destroyed buildings, houses and mosques show the predatory character of the Armenian brutality. But we will return to our lands. There is no doubt that how we returned to Jojug Marjanli, Shikharkh settlements, we will do it again. Building of this large settlement in the occupied lands of Shikharkh once again shows that after liberation of our lands from the occupiers, those lands are immediately restored. I am sure that owing to the power of Azerbaijan, the will of the Azerbaijani people, will restore all our cities after liberating them from the occupation, and people will live, build in those cities and ensure the development of our country. The Armenian-Azerbaijani, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is the biggest injustice. Our citizens live as IDPs as a result of this occupation. Armenia violated all international legal norms and committed vandalism. The predatory character of the Armenian fascism showed itself as a result of this conflict. However, the Azerbaijani people are convinced that we will restore our territorial integrity, we have to do it. Both international law and justice are on our side. Historical truth is on our side, and power is on our side. Today, the power factor is important throughout the world, and powerful countries can succeed their goals. Azerbaijan is also a powerful country. We have a powerful army, strong economy and well-thought policy. This residential complex is a temporary shelter for you. However, we want the conditions to be good, although it`s temporary. But after liberation from the occupation, we will definitely build such great settlements in the occupied lands as well. Once again, I congratulate you on this great occasion. I wish you good health and success. XXX Vasila Khalilova, an IDP from Shusha, thanked the head of our state for the attention and care shown to them and said: - Distinguished Mr. President. Dear First Vice President. Today, I am very proud to make a speech in front of you on behalf of all IDPs. Dear Mr. President, let me first congratulate you again on behalf of all IDPs on your re-election as a President. It was the victory of the Azerbaijani people. The elections held on April 11 once again proved the people`s great faith, love and confidence in you. As a result of your perfect development concept, Azerbaijan developed rapidly and became a leader in the region. State care for IDPs founded by our National Leader Heydar Aliyev today is being successfully implemented by you, the worthy successor of his political direction. In 2003, you had your first meeting on the eve of the presidential elections with IDPs as well. At the opening of a new settlement built for them in Bilasuvar, you stated that there would not be even one camp site in the country, and you did it. The camp sites are now imbedded in history. Nowhere in the world that much of apartments were built and put into use for IDPs. Underlining that the liberation of a part of our lands, including Jojug Marjanli as a result of the successful military operation carried out by the Azerbaijani Army in April 2016, Vasila Khalilova said: - Building a mosque similar to Shusha mosque in Jojug Marjanli, under your instruction, gave us – people of Shusha a great hope once again. Mentioning that the state care for the solution of social issues of refugees and IDPs plays a major role in the activities of the First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva, the IDP Vasila Khalilova said: During the years of activity as the President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO and ISESCO, Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva has been the developer of a number of important projects to address the social problems of IDPs, one of the sensitive groups of the society, through the values such as compassion, nobility, benevolence. The efforts of Heydar Aliyev Foundation, personally Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva and Vice President of the Foundation Leyla Aliyeva in revealing Karabakh realities to the world community are undeniable. Dear First Lady, last May - in the month of sacred Ramadan, you laid the foundation of this residential complex. This residential complex, which we just saw in the model back then, was built at the higher level and earlier than expected. Today, thousands of IDPs will be provided with new and comfortable apartments until they return to their homeland. The great attention and care you have shown to us during these years has been a solace to our hearts longing for our homeland, and given us optimism for the future. Dear Mr. President, we believe that our occupied lands will soon be liberated as a result of your successful domestic and foreign policy, and the term – IDP will be imbedded in history for our people and, as you stated, the tricolor flag of Azerbaijan will wave in Khankandi, Shusha and our other lands liberated from the occupation. Mr. President, I have another sacred dream. I wish that one day, you and Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva will be our most precious guests in our beautiful Garabagh, Shusha. May Almighty God protect you. X X X Mohubbat HASANOV, an IDP from Lachin, also expressed his gratitude and said: - Dear Mr. President, welcome. Let me first of all wholeheartedly congratulate you and Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva on the 100th anniversary of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. We express our deepest gratitude on behalf of IDPs for the fact that you provided this residential complex to internally displaced families and their children on this beautiful day. Thank you very much, we appreciate it. X X X At the end, a commemorative picture was taken.