Kalbajar: The return of residents to Zar village in Kalbajar is planned by the end of this year, Bashir Hajiyev, Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Kalbajar district, said during the event titled 'Lachin and Kalbajar: From Urbicide to Post-Conflict Reconstruction' held within the framework of WUF13, APA reports.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Hajiyev highlighted that all reconstruction and development work being carried out today is rooted in the severe destruction, vandalism, and ecological terror that Kalbajar endured for many years. During the occupation period, the district's residential settlements were completely destroyed, social infrastructure was ruined, and the living environment built by people over many years was devastated. Acts of vandalism were committed against the historical and cultural heritage. Historical monuments, cemeteries, and cultural heritage sites were subjected to severe destruction.

Additionally, Kalbajar's rich natural resources and ecological environment were ruthlessly exploited. Forests were destroyed, natural resources were looted, and serious damage was inflicted on water resources and biodiversity. The district's economic potential, tourism opportunities, and social infrastructure formed over many years were devastated, resulting in the forced displacement of people from their native lands.

The projects being implemented in Kalbajar today are not only a process of construction and reconstruction but also represent the restoration of historical justice and the return of life to native lands once again. Following the 44-day Patriotic War and the liberation of the territories, large-scale and targeted reconstruction and development work has been carried out under the instructions of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. These projects support the rapid revival of the Karabakh and East Zangazur economic regions, ensure sustainable settlement of the population, preserve sustainable economic activity, and create a solid foundation for transforming these territories into highly developed regions.

The ongoing processes hold particular importance in eliminating the destruction, acts of vandalism, and damage inflicted on the ecological environment and cultural heritage in the territories during the occupation period.