AZERBAIJAN MARKS THE NATIONAL SALVATION DAY ON JUNE 15

15 June 2016. The complicated socio-political situation created real threat of civil war in theAzerbaijanin June 1993.

The 709th military unit deployed in Ganja disobeyed orders of the Defense Ministry and the government sent troops to Ganja to suppress military revolt. As a result of negligent policy, the scale of revolt extended and became uncontrolled. Rebels were moving towardBakuand demanding change of power. The government of that time led by Azerbaijan Popular Front and Musavat understood that it couldn’t prevent threat of civil war and therefore asked Heydar Aliyev for help.

Heydar Aliyev, prominent public and political figure, who was the speaker of the Nakhchivan Supreme Majlis (parliament) in that time, accepted the insistent invitation of the government and came toBakuon June 9. Taking the mission to shield the country from the civil war, Heydar Aliyev left for Ganja at the risk of his life and as a result of negotiations he prevented the extension of civil confrontation.

On June 15, Heydar Aliyev was elected the chairman of the Azerbaijani Parliament. This was the start of new successful phase in contemporary history ofAzerbaijan. June 15 entered the history ofAzerbaijanas the National Salvation Day.

This day has been celebrated as the national holiday inAzerbaijansince 1998.