President Aliyev visits northern regions

The President first visited Khachmaz. He honored monument to Heydar Aliyev in the center of Khachmaz, participated in the opening ceremony of 87 module electric station (87 MWt), APA reports.

The station will supply Guba, Gusar, Khachmaz and Devechi regions with electricity. The station constructed within a year will meet the northern regions' need 70% in winter and 100% in summer. The head of Khachmaz Executive Power Shamsaddin Khanbabayev said that this is Ilham Aliyev's third visit to Khachmaz after being elected president. He said that 11 schools were constructed, ATS and Carpet Museum were commissioned, supply of gas in the region was restored, 8530 jobs were created 4000 of which are permanent.

Azerenergy President Etibar Pirverdiyev noted that this the third module electric station commissioned after Astara and Sheki.

"The opening of module electric stations is expected in Nakhchivan and Baku. Totally 5 module electric stations will produce 450 MWt energy," he said.

Etibar Pirverdiyev said that 200 men will be provided with jobs in the Khachmaz module electric station.

Ilham Aliyev called the opening of module electric station a great event. The President noted that State Program on development of regions is being realized successfully.

"Among the work done, the issue of energy security is very important. EU-Azerbaijan Strategic Energy Partnership Memorandum was signed last month," the president said.

Noting that 500 000 jobs have been created in the past three years in Azerbaijan the president said minimum salary will be raised once more. Ilham Aliyev also noted the existence of some problems.

"The main problem is the development of regions and non-oil sector. We are trying for this. Entrepreneurs are given $100m credit a year. Our economy is based on internal resources. Azerbaijan does not need any help. I only demand honesty from the officials. I carry out all reforms courageously and rely on the people's support," Ilham Aliyev said.

Later Ilham Aliyev reviewed the newly-constructed Gosha Gapi (Double gates), got acquainted with History and Ethnography Museum and Museum of personalities and participated in the opening ceremony of Carpet Museum.

The President participated in the opening ceremony of the new office of YAP in Khachmaz and met with party activists. Noting that the number of YAP members reached 400 000, Ilham Aliyev said that Azerbaijani people support this policy. He also touched upon the internal political position in the country.

"Those who want to be our rivals should struggle in a civil way. We support political dialogue. There should be a unity of opinion in fateful problems. In spite of their political conviction all should serve the Azerbaijan's interests," he said.