Assa-Irada,
18, April 2008

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev visited the frontline regions of the country on Friday.

President Aliyev, who arrived in Fuzuli District as part of his tour of the southwestern regions, attended the groundbreaking ceremonies of a medical center and a hydro-power station in the town of Horadiz.

In a meeting with the district residents, the head of state said that funds had been allocated for provision of amenities in Horadiz, noting that much work will be done in the future to develop the town. "Measures are being taken for socio-economic development of Fuzuli District. The population will be provided with the highest medical services in the new medical center, while the hydro-power station will supply electric power to the regions to be freed from occupation," he said.

The Azerbaijani leader said that he had given instructions on construction of a gas pipeline to Horadiz, noting that work in this respect is underway. "I hope that gas supplies will be resumed by the end of this year," he said.

President Aliyev said that the occupation of Fuzuli District by Armenia was a great tragedy. Life continues in the lands that were later freed from occupation, he said. The head of state said that 20,000 displaced people, who earlier lived in tent camps in very hard conditions, had been settled in new settlements. "I am sure that major construction and renovation works will be carried out, infrastructure restored as well as house and schools built in all regions after we liberate them from occupation."

Afterwards, Aliyev came to Beylagan District where he attended the ceremony of resuming gas supplies to the region after 20 years. In a meeting with local residents, the Azerbaijani President said that 500 people would be supplied with gas at the initial stage, noting that the figure will reach 1000 in the future.

The head of state said that 80% of the country's regions are supplied with gas and that the figure would increase in future. Azerbaijan possesses rich gas resources and potential to meet the domestic demand for energy, he said.

On the same day, the Azerbaijani leader presented authorizations to occupy apartments to their owners in the 24-apartment building constructed for disabled Garabagh war veterans and martyrs' families.

Prior to wrapping up his tour of the southwestern regions, President Aliyev visited Bilasuvar District where he attended the opening ceremony of the settlement for 1858 displaced people from Jabrayil District.