Dear citizens of Azerbaijan!

On November 12, 1995, our first Constitution having decisive importance for our independent state and all people was adopted by the national referendum.

This Constitution is a logical conclusion of the historical development way which has been passed by the Azerbaijani people. The constitution creates all-round base and condition for maintenance of the rights and freedoms of citizens, protection, and strengthening of our independent statehood, implementation of democratic transformations. The basic features characterizing our Constitution are reflection of the historical past, today's reality and prospects of the future development of Azerbaijan and its basing on universal and national values.

Within a year after the acceptance of the Constitution, the attention of the Azerbaijan state has been directed on adaptation of all areas of the republic's life to this Constitution and on realization of the main requirements coming from it. Constitution constitutes the basis of the reforms which are being carried out in political, economic and cultural spheres.

Today the most important duty is deeper mastering the Constitution and using the guarantees given by it. Everyone is obliged to observe the Constitution and laws strictly, to carry out the duties of the state and society properly, to participate in the process of the construction of the democratic, legal, secular state directly in our country.

I wish to express confidence that each citizen of our republic will put all forces for the implementation of the supreme law of the state and the establishment of the developed civil society in the independent Azerbaijan.

Dear compatriots!

Heydar Aliyev,

The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.