Information from the Press Service of the President

According to the instructions of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, the construction of a residential building in the area of ​​the "Hunters' House" located on Matbuat Avenue, Yasamal District, has been suspended. The reason for this suspension is the illegal cutting of 54 trees in the area by the construction company and the complete destruction of the greenery in the area. According to the information board at the construction site, the "Big Plaza" residential and commercial center was under construction at the mentioned address in Yasamal District. However, the construction company violated existing laws and illegally destroyed trees in the area with heavy machinery. This issue caused serious dissatisfaction among the residents living in the surrounding buildings.

President Ilham Aliyev reacted sharply to the illegalities and cutting of trees during the construction in the area, ordering the immediate suspension of the construction works and an investigation into the matter. The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, upon inspecting the area on Matbuat Avenue, Yasamal District, drew up a report on the destruction of the trees. The company that was building the residential building was fined 130,000 manats, and a criminal case was opened.

President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that planting greenery, improving the ecological situation, and taking measures against illegal tree cutting are priorities. He stated that the destruction of existing greenery and the illegal cutting of trees are unacceptable.

President Ilham Aliyev stated:

"We always focus on issues related to the environmental situation. However, the issue that worries the public and me is the cutting of trees. This cannot be allowed. I believe that we should apply even more serious responsibility here. Logging must be stopped completely. However, in rare cases, a tree can either be moved or cut with the opinion of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. That's why I have repeatedly expressed my opinion on these issues. I can say that the situation is even more positive than in previous years. However, we have not been able to fully achieve what we wanted. They come at night, illegally cut down trees, and prepare land to build houses. It is dishonest, it is shameful, it is a crime.

Therefore, the relevant institutions should propose more serious measures against those who cut trees. They should be held accountable. I want to say once again that not a single tree in the city can be cut without the permission and opinion of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. This is my last warning."

(Quotation from President Ilham Aliyev's final speech on April 13, 2014, at the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers dedicated to the results of the socio-economic development of the first quarter of the year and the tasks ahead).