Lachin: President Ilham Aliyev emphasized Azerbaijan’s resilience and determination in the face of past occupation during a speech at an event commemorating Independence Day. Held in Lachin, the event was attended by leaders from Azerbaijan, Trkiye, and Pakistan. The president highlighted the significant challenges faced by Azerbaijan following its restoration of independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, President Aliyev recounted the tragic events that unfolded shortly after Azerbaijan gained its independence. He pointed out that just four months later, Armenia perpetrated acts of genocide against Azerbaijan. This was followed by the occupation of Lachin, coming seven months after the occupation of Shusha. These incidents were part of a continued policy of occupation by Armenia, which resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis from the Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur regions. The president reiterated that Azerbaijan has never come to terms with this occupation and has been steadily building its strength in response.