9 February 1999

In 1918–1919, the transfer of the Iravan khanate and the city of Iravan to Armenia is indicated in the letter of the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan, Fatali Khan Khoyski. This process continued after the establishment of Soviet power. As a result, Zangezur district was also given to Armenia, although this was the ancient Azerbaijani land. This process resulted in separation of  Nakhchivan from the main territory of Azerbaijan.

… We need to create a very strong concept and basis to preserve the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan not only in the present time, but also for future generations. We need to create such a basis that no force will ever be able to occupy any part of Azerbaijan’s lands.