Azerbaijan: own path to independence

Today, on the 18th of October, Azerbaijan marks its Independence Day. The history of this holiday is interesting, as the republic has two independence days – the 28th of May and the 18th of October. In 1991, after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, on August 30th, the Baku authorities adopted the Declaration on the Restitution of State Independence of the republic. Restitution of independence was recognition of the fact that the Azerbaijani Republic was founded in 1918, and including Azerbaijan in the USSR was declared as a terminal cancellation of the independent state.

However, after the Declaration was adopted, the problem of its implementation was unsolved before the 18th of October, 1991. The Constitutional Act of the Supreme Council of Azerbaijan was adopted on October 18th, and the independence of the republic was declared in it. From this very moment Azerbaijan obtained sovereignty and territorial integrity. Azerbaijan became a democratic republic. In 1995 the constitution was adopted, which confirmed the basis of democracy.

20 years passed. The years of independence have brought intensive development in the economy and social spheres to Azerbaijan.

After the chaos of the 1990s and Heydar Aliyev’s coming to office, Azerbaijan achieved its aim and became one of the strongest players in the region, due to its energy advantages. A lot is written about the Contract of the Century. It has obviously played a great role in establishing an independent Azerbaijan. I would like to pay attention to the foreign policy of Azerbaijan. The Baku government provides the most balanced foreign policy in the region and in all the former Soviet space in general.

This policy doesn’t allow slants of political preferences towards the West or Russia. Due to that fact Azerbaijan is equally valuable to the two biggest powers of the world and the EU.

Moreover, in the republic an incredible supra-cultural model of society was formed. Azerbaijan is a unique example of a super-tolerant society, where people of various ethnic groups and confessions live. It guarantees the stability of the country.

Of course, energy resources play a great role in an independent Azerbaijan. Initially, the world perceived the country as an oil state, while today it is the gas resources of Azerbaijan that are mainly discussed. It is favorable for the economic situation in the country, which didn’t worsen even after the world crisis 2008.

In the first years of independence the state budget was $2 billion, at the moment it has reached $20 billion.

Certainly, the military strength of the country alsi improved. The recent military parade surprised many observers, as it demonstrated the up-to-date equipment of the Azerbaijani army. Summing up the results of 20 years of independence, we can admit that Azerbaijan chose its own path to independence. This path corresponds to the history, mentality and demands of the Azerbaijani people, which could hardly appreciate a foreign model of independence, even if it were brought from the successful West.

Elmira Tariverdiyeva, Baku. Exclusively to VK