Ilham Aliyev sent an address to the participants of the international conference on "The Constitution and the Rule of Law in Modern Legal Systems"

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev sent an address to the participants of the international conference on "Constitution and Rule of Law in Modern Legal Systems".

As reported by BAKU.WS, the address states:

"Dear conference participants!

I cordially welcome you to the international conference on "Constitution and Rule of Law in Modern Legal Systems," dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Exactly 30 years ago - on November 12, 1995 - the Azerbaijani people, continuing the centuries-old traditions of their statehood, adopted through a nationwide vote - referendum - the first Constitution of the sovereign Republic of Azerbaijan. The adoption of this supreme legal document at a time when independence had just been gained, territories were subjected to military aggression, and internal tensions prevailed, became the most important socio-political event in the country's history, marking a new milestone in Azerbaijan's state-building.

Developed by a commission under the direct leadership of the national leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev, the Constitution, based on universal values and the constitutional experience of the world's leading democratic states, played the role of a guarantor in building a modern, democratic, legal and secular state, establishing civil society and forming democratic traditions.

In the Basic Law, the people of Azerbaijan are proclaimed as the sole source of state power, in accordance with the principle of separation of powers, mutual balance between the legislative, executive and judicial branches and the scope of their powers are established, and ensuring the rights and freedoms of human and citizen, as well as a decent standard of living for citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan are enshrined as the highest goal of the state. One of the main places in the Constitution is also occupied by issues of ensuring the independence of the judiciary, supporting political pluralism, and forming the fundamental foundations of local self-government.

Since the adoption of the Constitution, it has served as the basis for multifaceted reforms within the country and integration into the globalizing world, has proven its irreplaceable role in ensuring the rule of law in society, developing free enterprise and market economy, protecting the historical, national and cultural heritage of the people, confirming that it is built on sound foundations.

The rapid socio-economic development of Azerbaijan, which has taken a worthy place as a leading state in the region, and the socio-political processes taking place in society have necessitated adapting the Constitution to the challenges of the time. Additions and amendments made to the Constitution in various years for this purpose covered many important issues aimed at strengthening the mechanisms for ensuring human rights and freedoms, deepening the foundations of civil society, and improving public administration.

This year we also proudly celebrate the fifth anniversary of the historical Victory achieved in the 44-day Patriotic War for the liberation of the occupied lands. The restoration of the territorial integrity and state sovereignty of the country laid the foundation for a new historical stage in the development of Azerbaijan, and also necessitated reforms in the economic, social and cultural, as well as legal spheres. From this point of view, I am confident that the upcoming discussions at the conference on various topical issues with the participation of renowned specialists in the field of constitutional building, as well as the results achieved, will contribute to ensuring the supremacy of the Constitution, more effective protection of human and civil rights and freedoms.

Once again, I cordially welcome you to Baku and wish you success in the work of the conference".