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Contact: Elin Suleymanov (202) 337-3500
Original URL: www.azembassy.com/release/26oct01.htm

AZERBAIJAN MARKS ITS FIRST DECADE OF INDEPENDENCE

October 26, 2001 – The people of Azerbaijan celebrated the tenth anniversary of restoring the country’s independence this month. On October 18, 1991, the Parliament of Azerbaijan adopted the Constitutional Act on Independence, later approved by the referendum on December 30. Thus, ten years ago, the Republic of Azerbaijan restored its independent nationhood, which was established on May 28, 1918 and crushed by the Bolsheviks in 1920. 

Throughout the decade of its independence, the Republic of Azerbaijan has firmly established itself as a full-fledged and responsible member of the international community and a key regional player in Eurasia. In close partnership with its friends in the region and beyond and with the support of the United States, Azerbaijan has been working on developing regional cooperation, promoting security, stability and democratic processes. 

Speaking in Baku at the official ceremony marking the event, President Heydar Aliyev emphasized that securing the country’s independence is Azerbaijan’s most important political objective. “I am confident that by overcoming serious obstacles, achieving and strengthening our independence and by establishing a democratic state, we have laid a strong fundament for Azerbaijan’s future,” said the President. “In so doing, we have completed the first, most difficult part of our mission. However, we still owe our people to further develop and strengthen Azerbaijan as an independent nation. We need to ensure that Azerbaijan’s independence brings happiness and prosperity to all its citizens.” 

U.S. President George Bush joined other world leaders in extending best wishes on the occasion of Azerbaijan’s State Independence Day. “I am certain that the friendship and cooperation between the United States and Azerbaijan will grow stronger,” stated Mr. Bush in the statement to his Azerbaijani counterpart. “You should be proud of the accomplishments of independent Azerbaijan and the successes of your integration into the global community.” He also specifically thanked Azerbaijan’s leadership for its strong support to the United States since the tragedy of September 11. 

In Washington, DC, the Embassy of Azerbaijan held a reception to celebrate the decade of independence on October 25 and the Azerbaijan Society of America organized a similar event in New Jersey on October 20.