Khankendi: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with residents who have been relocated to the Karkijahan settlement in the city of Khankendi. This meeting marked a significant milestone, as it commemorated the return of these residents to their native land after 34 years of displacement.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, President Aliyev expressed his congratulations to the residents on their return, highlighting the liberation of the lands from occupiers and the ongoing process of the 'Great Return' Program. He acknowledged the challenging circumstances the displaced residents endured over the years and emphasized the significance of their return to Karkijahan. The President reflected on the historical context, noting the forced displacement by Armenia in late December 1991 and the recent restoration of justice at the end of December 2025.

During his address, President Aliyev recounted the hardships faced by the residents during their years of displacement and the moral torment they experienced. Despite these difficulties, he emphasized the belief shared by the nation that they would eventually return to their homeland. He also mentioned the liberation of Karkijahan through an anti-terror operation two years ago, which allowed for the reconstruction of life in the settlement.

President Aliyev shared his observations from a visit to the settlement in October, where he had instructed the renovation of houses, schools, and infrastructure projects. He praised the restoration efforts, noting the transformation of the settlement and the readiness of houses for residents. The President expressed his confidence in the comfortable and prosperous future for the returning residents on their native land.

Reflecting on past leadership, President Aliyev criticized the Azerbaijani leadership at the time of the initial displacement for failing to protect the residents and condemned the subsequent government's actions, which led to further occupation and suffering. He highlighted the efforts of his administration to liberate the occupied lands and restore sovereignty, culminating in the successful anti-terror operation that permanently expelled occupiers.

The President concluded by affirming the existence of justice and the importance of ensuring it, reiterating his congratulations to the returning residents. The residents expressed their gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for the conditions created for them in their restored homeland.