Khanoba: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva reviewed the restoration of individual houses and infrastructure in Khanoba village of the Khojavend district on March 18, APA reports.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Emin Huseynov, Special Representative of the President in the Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavend districts, briefed the head of state and the First Lady on the progress of reconstruction and upcoming projects in the village. Historically, Khanoba belonged to the Garabagh khans and had essential facilities like a school, a club, a library, a medical point, and a communications department before occupation. The village was liberated following the anti-terror operation by the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan in 2023.
Khanoba village comprises 153 individual houses, with 21 unfit for use and 132 partially usable. Of these, 26 houses are ready for occupancy, and 106 more are expected to be completed by the end of the year. Recently, 25 families, totaling 114 people, returned to the village, with plans for an additional 107 families to relocate by October. Since October last year, 1,818 people from 441 families have returned to six residential areas in the Khojavend district.
Efforts have been made to address social infrastructure needs in Khanoba village. Existing transformer substations, as well as electricity and gas lines, have been restored. New electricity, gas, and fiber-optic lines have been installed, and repairs have been conducted at the subartesian well and pumping station. The President and First Lady also visited the home of Beybala Gasimov, a resident who recently returned.
President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva met with the returning residents of Khanoba village, where the President lit the Novruz bonfire with the village residents. During his address, President Aliyev emphasized the significance of returning to the native Garabagh land, highlighting the conditions created for the residents to live and work. He also reflected on the liberation of the land and the pride and territorial integrity restored through the efforts of the Armed Forces.
The President expressed happiness over the reconstruction achievements and the restoration of national pride. He acknowledged the heroism displayed by the Armed Forces in 2020 and 2023, which led to the liberation of the land, and mentioned the extensive destruction left by the previous occupation. President Aliyev highlighted the ongoing efforts to rebuild and repopulate the region, with over 80,000 people now living in Garabagh and East Zangezur.
The President reiterated the importance of living peacefully and building a future in the native Garabagh land, assuring that all necessary conditions, including employment opportunities and essential amenities, have been established in the village. Residents expressed gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for the conditions created for their return.