Azerbaijan Observes State Sovereignty Day
Azerbaijan officially commemorates September 20 as State Sovereignty Day, a date established to mark the restoration of the country's sovereignty over its lands in 2023. The nation's Foreign Ministry issued a statement highlighting the significance of this day, which follows a series of events that culminated in the re-establishment of constitutional order in the Karabakh region.
The Events of September 2023
The observance of State Sovereignty Day stems from the 'local anti-terror measures' conducted by Azerbaijani Armed Forces on September 19-20, 2023. These operations, which lasted less than 24 hours, aimed to disarm Armenian armed forces, remove them from the Karabakh region, dismantle military infrastructure, and restore Azerbaijan's constitutional order in these territories. According to official statements, the operations were a response to continued provocations, including mine incidents and the presence of Armenian armed formations in Azerbaijani territories.
The swift military action led to the surrender of Armenian separatist forces, with the self-declared Republic of Artsakh agreeing to disband by January 1, 2024. This outcome was declared by Azerbaijan as the full restoration of its sovereignty.
Official Recognition and Broader Context
The designation of September 20 as State Sovereignty Day was formalized by a decree signed by President Ilham Aliyev on September 19, 2024. This decree also established September 20 as the Day of the Cities of
- Khankandi
- Khojaly
- Khojavand
- Aghdara
The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry's statement emphasized that the restoration of sovereignty on September 20, 2023, represents 'not only one of the most glorious pages in our history, but also a triumph of international law and justice.' The ministry also noted that for a peace agreement to be signed, it is necessary to eliminate territorial claims against Azerbaijan in the Armenian constitution.
5 Comments
Bermudez
Finally, justice served! Azerbaijan reclaimed its rightful territory.
Habibi
A glorious day for national pride! Sovereignty fully restored.
Muchacho
It's clear that Azerbaijan views this as a historical moment of national triumph and restoration of its constitutional order. Yet, the method and speed of the operation, which led to such a large-scale displacement, raise valid questions about the path forward for reconciliation.
Comandante
A dark day for human rights and regional stability, not a celebration.
Muchacha
Decisive action brought peace and stability to the region. Well done!