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Greetings
to the Turkic nation of
Azerbaijan
that
stands proud and has set examples of perseverance throughout history;
pioneered the formation of the first democratic government in the east;
and is a wellspring of one of the first civilisations in history, but now
confronting relentless conspiracies.
This
is a worthy nation, who strived for setting up the first democratic
republic in the east; for conferring the full women suffrage both to elect
and to be elected, at a time when women were deprived of such rights even
in many western democratic countries. Not only this Azerbaijani endeavour
is not surprising, but it is regarded as a reflection of its rich and
profound culture.
It
is gratifying that this nation has withstood the onslaught of the
despotism of
Moscow
and
Tehran
and
has planted the seed in the east for a constitutional system of
parliamentary systems, which has led to a challenge to traditional systems
of absolute monarchisms. This originates from the culture of this nation,
as in the history of the Turkic Azerbaijan there is a long tradition of
empire building based on the profound culture of debate (geyishmek or gəyişmək)
and collective decision-making (qurultay).
Inspired
by its hero, Babek Khurremdin from the distant past, our nation
today marches forward through a series of frontlines, such as the glorious
struggle of the 12 December (Translator’s Note: 1945-45 during
which the national government was set up but was overthrown by the
invasion of the Iranian armed forces, marking up the onset of the cold war
and the first defeat of the democratic forces), during which lives of some
70000 Southern Azerbaijanis were perished.
Now,
I address you, the honourable nation, stating that your ancestors were
pioneers in creating epics and achieving great successes. These were only
feasible by their self-esteem. But why
we have been thrown into this yoke of servitude?
In
responding to this question we only need to learn a lesson from our
history and from the way we diverted from our basic principles. Since we
became self-alienated, and not surprisingly, we found ourselves yoked.
Now
with God’s grace, and despite the massive ongoing campaign of
misinformation, the endeavours of the pioneers of our national movements
are not in vain owing to their mature insight into the problems. Now, the
national movement of (Southern)
Azerbaijan
is
enriched by a generation of clear thinkers and patriots, who have become a
mighty force rallying together to awaken the nation of (Southern)
Azerbaijan
against the inhumane policies of Persian fascism.
The present generation of Azerbaijani activists are tolerating all
the hardship created by the authorities.
Azerbaijanis
are well aware of the wisdom of the great king, “Bilge Khaqan”
engraving his advice on the runic scripts stating that: “O, my Turkic
nation, seek your glory in your own self.” Over the years, many of the
activists of the national movement of
Southern
Azerbaijan
has been inspired by this profound wisdom and passed
many obstacles. Now, the waters have been tested since the historic day of
22 May 2006 by the virtue of the heroism of the nation, orchestrating
heartfelt uproars; proclaiming the Turkic identity; and gaining a glimpse
of glory of liberty. The May 22nd engraved the epic episode of
the May 2006 Mass Protests and became the hallmark of the reinstatement of
our identity before the world and subsequently we were heard worldwide.
This episode was, by no means, a reaction to the abuse of our national
integrity but a substantive index of undoing the yoke of servitude.
Notwithstanding
the above, even if the world came to realise the just and peaceful
protests of this nation, the Persian chauvinism failed to see this
implosion and was not even interested to hear its voice. Perhaps, this is
a rule of history and normally true that, no matter how fiercely a nation
is repressed, their awakening against despotic occupiers is reciprocally
fierce and firm. This kind of awakening is the wellspring of liberty and
freedom. Let it be known that the unique feature of the May 2006 Mass
Protests was that it was the uprising of the Turkic nation of (Southern)
Azerbaijan relying solely on own nation with no expectation from any other
entity. This is result of a lesson that we have learned from our history.
Now,
I bear a witness that the salvation of this nation is inborn expecting
help from no one, so god bless this nation. O, the nation of (Southern)
Azerbaijan
,
liberty has never been granted, neither in the past nor in the present
times.
Liberty
has
always been secured through monumental struggles and impregnable will of
the people.
Nonetheless,
today’s reality is rather different. The civilised world no longer
consents the repression of peaceful movements by dictators. In particular,
it is now impossible to defeat great national movements enjoying mass
supports.
O,
my honourable nation, now you have realised your power since you have been
proclaiming your own identity. The popular power will be more consolidated
if you maintain your unity and every individual join hand in hand. I am
convinced that (Southern)
Azerbaijan
shall
deliver this unity. You shall demonstrate this unity this year at 5.00
p.m. on 22 May 2006 throughout (Southern)
Azerbaijan
and
every other Turkic home in a country today referred to as
Iran
(Translator’s Note: prior to 1937, the country was officially called the
Protectorate Countries but since then it was renamed Iran). In
particular, an effective lesson will be taught to Persian chauvinism when
the peaceful voice of
Azerbaijan
will
rise in the city of
Tehran
.
I
turn my attention to our activists, the sons and daughters of this
movement. You know well that the only information channel for the outlet
of our voice is just one TV and some Internet websites. Regrettably, these
information channels are also under severe restrictions and the
authorities have made their reception by our people almost impossible.
Therefore, a further expression of our demands is not feasible through
these channels.
I
believe this vacuum can be filled by our national activists and before the
Day of Anniversary, the shortfall can be compensated for by writings,
distributing CDs, graffiti posters and enlightening the folk.
Now,
I appeal to you, the fighters of Urmu, Tebriz, Zengan, Erdebil, Hemedan,
Qezvin, Maragha, Erak, Sulduz, Qoshachay, and
Tehran
. Let
the massifs of Sehend and Savalan remain your source of inspiration and
for waving the banner of
Azerbaijan
. You
are now making your own history. Your salvation is only through
maintaining your Unity and Peaceful Struggle.
I
plea for you, to stand up against your enemies, to hold your head high, to
cry out your heart, to demand your rights by singing in one voice:
No
more chipping off my motherland
Azerbaijan
;
Or
this stormy ocean would revolt and you’ll be gone.
As
this land survives for her warriors are alive;
They
won’t let in aliens to occupy and thrive!
As
my last word, I pay my tribute to my honourable nation and wish my best to
the ongoing struggle. I feel confident that the success is with us.
Abbas
Leysanli,
Erdebil
prison
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