TO MEDIA PERSONNEL OF AZERBAIJAN REPUBLIC
On the occasion of 22 July - Day of National Press, I extend my warm congratulations to you and wish the best to each of you.
The Azerbaijani national press with almost 130-year history has rich and honorable traditions. Press of Azerbaijan has always been disseminating leading public views and national development idea, played a great role in blossoming the wishes of freedom of our people, in formulation of national consciousness and culture.
In late XX century in our country, which regained its state independence it should particularly be mentioned the merits of our press in strengthening of national statehood ideas and traditions, in establishment of the democratic values, in rising of the role and image of Azerbaijan in the international arena.
In Azerbaijan, experiencing the second decade of its sovereignty, the democratic, legal and secular state building process goes successfully. Creation of optimal environment to ensure the freedom of word, expression and information as fundamental principles of democratic development, for development and free activity of the mass media organs as their carriers, is one of my priorities as the head of Azerbaijan state. We look at the press and in general, mass media as a strong tool in establishment of legal and civil society, in ensuring of democratic rights and freedoms, attach due attention to their role in making public the actual problems of society, in ensuring of openness and transparency in the process of integration to the civil world.
In every country, the key task of free press is to deepen political pluralism, freedom of speech and expression, meet the information need of citizens. Along with that, we think today our press following its progressive traditions, should be the herald of truth, take the existing problems and shortcomings in society to public discussion, be active participants of democratic processes.
Marking the Day of National Press, it is our duty to remember exclusive merits of our national leader Heydar Aliyev in ensuring the fundamental freedoms of Azerbaijan citizens, including freedom of speech, expression and information. Just as a result of Heydar Aliyev’s political will and expedient actions there were set up all opportunities for free activity of press. State management of press was rejected and the initiatives of media community in this field were supported. Intensive steps were taken to strengthen material-technical base of media and protection of journalists’ rights was reliably ensured. Today, mass media of Azerbaijan has the most democratic and liberal legislation base in the CIS space and Eastern Europe, and a large developed mass media net is operating in the Republic.
In the field of development of freedom of speech, expression and information, the Republic of Azerbaijan closely cooperates with the international organizations, including the Council of Europe and OSCE, implements the obligations it pledged. Cooperation in the direction of improvement of legislation and creation of public broadcasting meeting international standards is underway.
On this festive day, I want to assure all the media personnel and the citizens that the policy of our national leader Heydar Aliyev to ensure the basic rights and freedoms of citizens, including freedom of speech, expression and information will be persistently continued, all necessary steps be taken in this direction. Attention and care for press and free speech as the attributes of civil society will be one of the priorities of our state policy.
Once again I congratulate your holiday, wish each of you health, happiness, success in your difficult and hard profession.
Ilham Aliyev,
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Baku, 21 July 2004
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