Azerbaijani Defense Minister, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov congratulated the personnel of the Armed Forces on the occasion of December 31- Solidarity Day of World Azerbaijanis and New Year.

The minister noted that 2015 was full of significant events for the Azerbaijani people and state, as well as its armed forces.

“Under the leadership of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, in 2015 army material readiness reached the highest level, social problems of the military personnel were consecutively solved, the army was provided with sophisticated weapons and equipment, and training of highly qualified specialists was successfully continues,” said Hasanov.

He added that large-scale command and staff exercises held in 2015 once again demonstrated the power of the Azerbaijani Army and played an important role in the improvement of combat experience of servicemen and retired military personnel.

The minister said that the high morale, sense of patriotism, moral and psychological readiness of armed forces enable the liberation of Khankendi, Shusha, Lachin and other occupied native lands and ensuring the territorial integrity of the country.

“The ceasefire regime is being violated along the Azerbaijan-Armenia border on a daily basis. Our positions come under intensive fire. Nevertheless, Azerbaijani soldiers stand vigilant and brave on guard of the homeland. The army is responding to the enemy with deserved retaliatory fire, detecting their sabotage attempts beforehand, and inflicting serious losses on their manpower and combat equipment. Those martyred on in battles are being avenged tenfold,” said the minister.

Hasanov noted that the service of Azerbaijani soldiers has always been appreciated by the country’s leadership, relationship between the army and the people are getting stronger, and the people grow in their confidence in the army.

“I do believe that you – with your loyal service to the homeland, people, and state – will justify this confidence, stand ready for the order of Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and give our people glad tidings of victory in 2016 – the year we are going to start with the motto ‘The Karabakh land will burn under the feet of the Armenian invaders’,” said the defense minister.

On the eve of the holidays, we remember our martyrs with respect, extend our heartfelt congratulations to their parents and family members, soldiers who have sacrificed their health fighting for the motherland, veterans of war and the Armed Forces, our soldiers serving at the contact line with the enemy as well as those on combat duty and on guard, and those serving within peacekeeping force in foreign countries. I wish them robust health, family happiness, and success in their service. I wish 2016 becomes the year of victory and Karabakh’s liberation from occupation!” said Hasanov.

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