INFORMATION WARFARE OF AZERBAIJAN DURING THE PATRIOTIC WAR: INTERVIEWS OF PRESIDENT ILHAM ALIYEV

Abstract

The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Supreme Commander-in-Chief, Ilham Aliyev, clarified relations with neighboring and partner countries in his interviews and expressed views on the prospects of future international cooperation. He highlighted relations with brotherly Turkey as a natural strategic ally, the United States as a strategic partner, as well as neighboring countries Russia and Iran, and regional ally Georgia. The head of state also exposed attempts by pro-Armenian forces to create confusion in international public opinion through information warfare, successfully presenting the real facts and informing the global community. In his interviews, the President emphasized that Azerbaijan has consistently demonstrated a peace-oriented position, while the Armenian side has maintained a destructive stance for years, hindering the negotiation process. He also provided evidence of Armenia’s illegal militarization, the operation of international terrorist networks in its territory and in occupied lands, the destruction of Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage, and illegal settlement in occupied areas. Furthermore, he strongly criticized the double standards of Western countries and the unfair and inadequate positions of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chair countries regarding the peaceful resolution of the conflict.