Azerbaijan will continue introducing democratic values

How does Kazakhstan’s chairmanship differ from the previous ones?

While working out the program of our chairmanship we considered the need to ensure succession with the activity of previous chairmen. We consider that successful must occupy one of the important places in defining the main directions in the OSCE activity. Thus, the Kazakh chairmanship was not aimed at radical changes in the OSCE activity and especially the open challenge to the established state of affairs. But we are also not “technical” chairman. We stake on innovations and enjoying our state of the first chairman of OSCE from among post-Soviety, predominantly Asian and Muslim member-states. I think the strong accent on the need to hold the OSCE summit this year is our main innovation. We do not need the summit for the sake of the summit, this is not the fixed idea. If we continue clinging to the status quo and demonstrate passiveness, the full disintegration of the OSCE which will have the most unpredictable complications for the whole area of its responsibility is possible in the nearest future. It is the responsibility of the leaders of the participating countries to avert such events. We sincerely hope for their understanding and support. Continue reading

Kyrgyzstan voters approve new constitution

Despite fears about another outbreak of ethnic violence, Kyrgyzstan has voted on a new constitution that could pave the way for the first parliamentary democracy in Central Asia.

Kyrgyzstan’s new constitution has been approved by more than 90 percent of voters, according to early results from the country’s electoral commission, clearing the way for Central Asia’s first parliamentary democracy. Continue reading

Azerbaijani-Americans celebrated the 92nd Anniversary of the 1st secular Democracy in the Muslim World

Azerbaijani-Americans celebrated the 92nd Anniversary of the 1st secular Democracy in the Muslim World

Azerbaijani-Americans celebrated the 92nd Anniversary of the 1st secular Democracy in the Muslim World

Azerbaijani-American Council (AAC) and Azerbaijan Society of America (ASA) join all Azerbaijani people in celebration of the 92nd anniversary of the establishment of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR), the first secular parliamentary democracy in the Muslim world.
Over the 23 months of its existence prior to Bolshevik occupation of Azerbaijan in April 1920, ADR succeeded in restoring the territorial integrity of the country, in securing the international recognition of Azerbaijan, and in establishing democratic institutions, including the Parliament and the multi-party representative government. Among other key achievements of the first republic were the 1919 universal suffrage law, granting women the right to vote (notably, ahead of the United States and some European nations); the establishment of Baku State University; and the adoption of the modern national symbols of Azerbaijan, including its tri-color flag, anthem and the coat of arms. Continue reading