This year, the first Constitution of the Azerbaijan Republic turns ten. The Constitution adopted on November 12, 1995 is based on the advanced world experience, principles of lawmaking, our centuries-old traditions of statehood. Created by our national leader Heydar Aliyev, this document reflecting our national as well as universal values, is rightly a matter of pride for every Azerbaijani.

Adoption of the Constitution has opened a new stage in the history of our national statehood, gave a powerful impetus to the democratic processes in state building, socio-political, economic and cultural spheres. Resting upon the principles of separation of powers and priority of human rights and freedoms, our Constitution creates a strong basis for construction of democratic, legal, and secular state, strengthens the spirit of humanism, national unity and tolerance in the society, and stimulates harmonious relations between various social groups.

In the Constitution, human factor, ensuring rights, well-being and security of citizens are put on the forefront. Our Basic Law also serves unity, strengthening of solidarity among Azerbaijanis of the world, guarantees Azerbaijani Government’s protection of their rights and freedoms established in the international conventions. On one hand our Constitution guarantees human and civil rights, on the other hand strengthens our state independence and sovereignty.

Over the past 10 years, the Constitution has proved its viability and being a humane, dynamic and realistic document. Significant progress has been achieved for this period in all spheres it covers including building of legal state, introducing of market economy principles, democratization of political life, and protections of human rights and freedoms.

Democratic principles and values, human rights and freedoms are gradually getting more contentful and real in our country. National mechanisms of protection of fundamental rights of citizens improve, and our fruitful cooperation in this area with international organizations continues.

Our country is known among the states of the world by its independent policy, prospects of development, potential and effective public administration. I want to assure you that henceforth Azerbaijan will be steadily strengthening and developing, its role in the world’s politics will increase, well-being of our citizens will improve, and their rights will be completely ensured. It is fully guaranteed by realization of the large-scale state programs and results of economic, social and cultural policy which are supported by the people and recognized by international structures.

The elections to the supreme legislature of Azerbaijan, the Milli Majlis took place several days ago. The elections, which caused great interest and attracted attention of our people and the international political circles, passed under conditions of high activity of the population, having displayed wide democratic potential of our society. Despite the certain infringements, the elections were an important stage in democratic development of Azerbaijan and bringing of election practice to conformity with international standards. Elections became evident acknowledgement of the Constitution’s provision that the source of power is the people of Azerbaijan, and the results should reflect its will.

Today one of the primary tasks to resolve consists of propagation of our Constitution, in-depth study of its main principles and provisions, and their transformation into norm of life of every citizen. Legal education of citizens, their education in spirit of national-spiritual and universal values, consecutive and steady observance of the provisions of the Constitution, bringing all spheres of life in the state and society to conformity with requirements of our Basic Law is a civic duty of both relevant state bodies and each Azerbaijani.

Dear compatriots!

I cordially congratulate you on the occasion of the Constitution Day, one of our basic national holidays. I wish you health, happiness, well being, and success on the path towards progress and strengthening our state and society.

Ilham Aliyev,

President of the Azerbaijan Republic

Baku, November 11, 2005