Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18. Azerbaijan is
moving forward with the development of a master plan for the city
of Khankendi, said Elchin Yusubov, the Special Representative of
the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the city of
Khankendi and Aghdara, and Khojaly districts, Trend reports.
Speaking during a meeting with diplomatic representatives in the
city of Khankendi, Yusubov elucidated the historical framework
underpinning the region.
“Armenians, during the occupation years of Azerbaijani
territories, destroyed cultural, religious, and historical
monuments and cemeteries belonging to the Azerbaijani people in
Khankendi and surrounding settlements.
In contrast, Armenian churches and cemeteries in Khankendi are
now under the protection of the Azerbaijani state. The Armenian
population lives here in peace and safety,” Yusubov said.
He noted that the reconstruction initiatives are comprehensive,
featuring substantial infrastructural undertakings currently in
progress within the recently liberated territories.
“New modern roads, railways, and air routes are being
constructed, and essential services such as electricity, drinking
water, and natural gas are being provided. The government is also
focusing on creating green spaces, while Khankendi and surrounding
towns are being transformed into hubs for business development. To
date, 439 businesses have invested approximately 30 million manat
($17.6 million), creating nearly 1,900 jobs, with that number
expected to exceed 3,000 by year’s end.
In addition to infrastructure, the government is building new
schools, medical centers, and other social facilities for the
returning population as part of the ‘Great Return’ program.
As part of security measures, foreign experts have been brought
in to assist with demining operations, which are enabling
construction to proceed in previously hazardous areas.
Regarding the master plan for Khankendi, around 12,000 people
are now permanently residing in seven settlements across the
Khankendi, Aghdara, and Khojaly districts. He also provided updates
on the resettlement process, including the relocation of 136
families (660 residents) to Ballija village in Khojaly, 70 families
(238 residents) to Hasanriz village in Aghdara, 180 families (592
residents) to Sugovushan village, and 20 families (90 residents) to
Talish village. By the end of the year, the return of people to
another 24 historical Azerbaijani villages is planned, with
construction and restoration works already underway in 16 of these
villages and project preparations being carried out in the
remaining eight,” he concluded.
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