Russian TV report on Shusha generates Armenian discontent Kiselyov labelled as unfriendly to Armenia

On the occasion of the National Salvation Day (June 15), the weekly Sunday show "Vesti Nedeli" (News of the Week) of the Rossiya TV channel with Dmitriy Kiselyov prepared a report about Azerbaijan. It was about the popularity of the Russian language in Azerbaijani schools, the development of winemaking, and the ongoing reconstruction in liberated Karabakh.

"On June 15, Azerbaijan celebrated National Salvation Day. The holiday was established in memory of the events of 1993, when Heydar Aliyev returned to power in reply to the call of the people, headed the Supreme Soviet of Azerbaijan, and saved the country from split and civil war. For Russia, Azerbaijan is a reliable ally in the former Soviet Union.

On June 23, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is scheduled to visit Baku and he will meet Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev," the report says.

Journalist Alexander Buzaladze continued the report: "Baku shocks with its architecture, dynamics. It is modern, and of course, if we talk about the phenomenon of Azerbaijan's success, it is best to do it immediately after the most important holiday for the country - National Salvation Day.

Looking at all this splendour, we understand what role Heydar Aliyev and incumbent Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev played in it".

The journalist expressed confidence that Azerbaijan is at the peak of political and economic stability, and the alliance with Russia is more important than ever. The report said Azerbaijan-Russia relations are developing steadily, they are strengthening thanks to the efforts of the two presidents. This year, Azerbaijan and Russia moved to a new stage in bilateral relations, having signed the Declaration on Allied Interaction in February.

The "Vesti Nedeli" correspondent has calculated that there are almost 3,500 schools in Azerbaijan, 340 of which teach in Russian. This is a 10 per cent excellent result for those who wish to continue their education in Russia.

During the report, the journalist also spoke about the development of winemaking in Azerbaijan. According to Buzaladze, Azerbaijani winemakers are confidently replacing France, Italy in Russia with similar quality and products, but more powerful premium potential and competitive price.

"The territory of Karabakh was in an absolutely ruined condition for almost 30 years and the first thing the Azerbaijanis did when they entered those lands - they restored the network of roads, built an airport, plan to build the newest residential complex 'New Fuzuli'. Fuzuli International Airport is already receiving flights, and the mountain road is being restored and reinforced. The repairmen are concreting the rain gutters, the security is ensured by the Azerbaijani police," Buzaladze said.

During his trip to Azerbaijan, the author also visited Shusha, calling it unapproachable as a bride, but already in the June greenery.

According to the journalist, pharmacies are opening, and even a barbershop is functioning. Hairdresser Anar has a creative mission - to make everyone in Shusha happy. The city is being reconstructed in full swing; administrative buildings and the City Hall have been restored; construction equipment works day or night.

Buzavadze noticed that the supermarkets in Shusha are full of products: fresh milk, juices, coffee, sausages, bananas, fresh carrots, onions, and there are even plums. The monument-museum of the great Azerbaijani opera singer Bulbul has already been restored.

As expected, the demonstration of footage of the liberated and reborn Shusha caused hysteria in most of the Armenian Telegram channels. For example, one of them fiercely criticised Russia, calling the report "Russia's unfriendly act".