Speech by Ilham Aliyev at the presentation of the "Friend of the Journalists" Award

Dear friends!

Dear ladies and gentlemen!

First of all, let me salute you all, wish you and all the people of Azerbaijan successes, happiness and good health in the new year.

It is a very important day in my life today. I have been honored with this prestigious prize. I would like to use this rostrum to salute all those who have honored me, to express my deep gratitude and assure you that in my future activities I will continue efforts to develop the free and independent press in Azerbaijan, to be even more active in conducting democratic reforms in Azerbaijan so that we could ensure comprehensive development of our country.

There is freedom of press, freedom of speech in Azerbaijan. The history of the free press in Azerbaijan is not so long. The independent press started forming in Azerbaijan in the last years of the Soviet Union when first newspapers, the independent newspapers appeared. After we gained independence, the free press developed faster. But I believe, as it has already been mentioned here, that dramatic changes in this area occurred in 1998. The cancellation of censorship in Azerbaijan on the initiative of great leader Heydar Aliyev played a crucial role in the formation and emergence of the free and independent press in the full sense of the word. As you may know, the Ministry of the Press and Information was abolished in 2000, while in 2003 the Press Council was established. These processes show that the intentions of the Azerbaijani state and government have always been unequivocal.

Azerbaijan has made tremendous strides in building a law-governed state. We are building a truly free, modern, democratic and constitutional state. A law-governed state is difficult to imagine without the free press. This is why we should strengthen the tendencies in the areas of the freedom of speech, freedom of conscience and pluralism in Azerbaijan. In this sense, the Azerbaijani state and government should, of course, work hard to fully entrench these freedoms in Azerbaijan. The work done in recent years suggests that we are on the right path, that Azerbaijan is successfully building the rule of law, that there are hundreds of print media in the country. Nearly a hundred weekly, more than 30 daily newspapers are published, there are eight national TV channels.

The Internet is spreading very fast in Azerbaijan. It is clear that if this wasn’t part of our policies, this process could not be carried out at such a rapid pace. Today, the number of Internet users in Azerbaijan is approaching 50 per cent. I remember touching upon this issue during a meeting with members of the Press Council this summer. I noted at the time that more than 40 per cent of the Azerbaijan population were using the Internet. According to my latest data, the number of Internet users has reached 50 per cent over a short time. The steps being taken to develop the ICT sector are met with approval not only in Azerbaijan, they are appreciated by the world community as well. This shows again that our intention is to enable the citizens of Azerbaijan to use various sources of information. It is the natural right of every citizen to have access to different information, and the state of Azerbaijan must provide for that right.

We are building a modern, open and democratic state. Therefore, there should be even more rigorous public oversight. But public oversight is impossible without a free press. Our economic reforms are complemented by political transformation.

Important steps are being taken in this direction. I have repeatedly stated that, want to say it again and am absolutely convinced that without the process of democratization and political reform, we cannot achieve a long-term sustainable economic development. Our economy is already diversified, we have abundant natural resources. Azerbaijan is self-sufficient economically. Despite all that, our successes may be short-lived if political reforms are not conducted at the appropriate level. We want to build a long-term development strategy in Azerbaijan so that our country grows in strength for many more decades, so that the citizens of Azerbaijan live even better and Azerbaijan can further strengthen its standing in the world. For this, it is very important to conduct political reforms, and we are doing that.

Freedom of the press holds a special place in democratic development. Most of you are journalists. I am sure that you know this best of all. As I have mentioned, the history of free press in Azerbaijan is not very long, but I think that strong and independent media have emerged in Azerbaijan over a short period of time, in just 20 years. Of course, I should first of all emphasize the role of journalists. I appreciate their work, which is sometimes carried out in very difficult circumstances. I think highly of the work of the Press Council. It does a great job regulating relations between journalists and government agencies. I believe that the ongoing reforms in this field and the situation developing in a positive direction are evidence of that. I believe that these relations, the relations between the government and the press, should be even stronger. I, for my part, will try to be of help in achieving this.

The comprehensive reforms in Azerbaijan, the political transformation is our conscious choice. We are consciously conducting this work. In other words, we are not doing this only to fulfill our obligations to international organizations. We have joined international organizations of our own accord, no-one coerced us to do that. We want the criteria and standards existing in Azerbaijan to keep pace with those of developed countries. We want Azerbaijani people to live well, we want Azerbaijan to have a strong political system so that we could achieve even more in the economic sphere, so that social programs could be implemented even faster and Azerbaijan could develop in a comprehensive manner. We have a strong political will for political reforms. Moreover, Azerbaijani society is ready for that.

Although we lived in different socio-political formations for centuries, there were no and could not be any democratic processes in Azerbaijan. In Soviet times and in earlier periods, the socio-political system did not enable any democratic processes to develop in Azerbaijan. But today, as an independent state, we have achieved a lot in this area. Once again, this is our strategic and conscious choice.

Of course, the restoration of independence opened up different windows of opportunity before our country. We could have taken another path. But at the crucial moment for the country, especially after the return of great leader Heydar Aliyev to power in 1993 at the request of the Azerbaijani people, further development directions of the country were identified. First of all, conceptual decisions were made as to which course of action Azerbaijan should take, what choices it must make. If these fundamental issues had not been resolved, we could develop in a different direction. Since 1993, the Azerbaijani state has been committed to its strategic course of nation-building. This policy continues to this day. The present realities of Azerbaijan confirm that it was the right choice. Our efforts to build a democratic state, establish a market economy, protect human rights, integrate Azerbaijan into the world community, use energy resources and attract investment are all interrelated issues.

The principles of a market economy can yield fruit only if there is free competition. A free competition is possible only in a democratic environment. We know this from the experience of other countries and from history. We all remember the existence and the break-up of the Soviet Union. We must ensure that long-term prospects of our country are identified. If you look at the development of Azerbaijan today, we can see progress on all fronts. The Azerbaijani economy is already a well-established economy. It has passed the transition period. Azerbaijan is no longer a post-Soviet country. I think that when people call us like that we should not accept this definition because the post-Soviet period is over. We are an independent, strong, modern and democratic country. Azerbaijan has fully established the principles of a market economy. 85 per cent of our economy is made up of the private sector. At the same time, we are implementing social programs, our policies are socially-oriented. The citizens of Azerbaijan did not experience major impacts of the global recession in the last two years. There is one reason for that – Azerbaijan is conducting a thought-out policy. We know very well what steps should be taken in the economic sphere to maximize sustainable development, improve the well-being of our people in the area of social protection.

We are well aware of the processes that have been occurring in the world, on the European continent over the last two years. We monitor the press and see what difficulties and problems there are. We are living at their own expense. This is why we have managed to avoid the bitter consequences of the crisis and ensure successful development of Azerbaijan.

Of course, the reforms under way in the political sphere, in particular the parliamentary election held this year, have shown the successful development of Azerbaijan to both the citizens of our country and the world. I think that the remarkable trends that have appeared today will be continued in subsequent years. The successful development of Azerbaijan has become a reality. We see this in everyday life, in the reports of international financial institutions. Most importantly, we can clearly see the future and how we will develop. Sometimes people ask me what Azerbaijan will be like in 10 or 20 years. Of course, it is difficult to predict the future with absolute certainty, but at least we know which way we are going. I have no doubt that in 5, 10 years and beyond, Azerbaijan will only go along the path of development, because the economic situation in our country, the available material and financial resources, the current political and social stability, the unity of the people and authorities, the high-level solution of security issues in Azerbaijan will continue enabling us to work in accordance with our programs in subsequent years, to protect Azerbaijan from political, regional and economic risks to the maximum extent possible, and thus determine the long-term development strategy of our country.

That said, I must also point to certain problems in the country. We are aware of these problems and are doing our best to resolve the drawbacks in the economic, social and political spheres. The government is carrying out its mission towards improving the rules of political struggle. I do believe that there have been positive changes in this sphere in recent years, and we can see them. Political struggle in Azerbaijan is mostly conducted in a civilized manner. The political system is forming. Political relations are being resolved in a normal plane. I think these are very important factors for the further development of our country. We need to reinforce these positive trends.

Of course, there should be and there is political rivalry in Azerbaijan. There are people, parties and public organizations adhering to different views. I regard this as a positive fact. But thanks to debates, discussions and constructive criticism, we can achieve even better results. Therefore, I believe that the progress observed in this area in recent years is commendable. I can say that the Azerbaijani state and government will continue conducting political struggle in a civilian manner.

At the same time, we need to be fair in this struggle and never lose sight of the processes taking place around Azerbaijan. Independence is a great asset. For centuries, the Azerbaijani people lived with the dream of independence. Earlier generations lived with this dream, but were not lucky enough to see it come true. We are happy to see this independence, and not only see it but also actively participate in its consolidation. This is a historic opportunity provided to the people of Azerbaijan. We must not waste it and I am sure we will not. We are strengthening our independence with every day. Therefore, along with positive processes occurring in the country, we, of course, want to have tranquility, peace and cooperation outside our borders. We are governed by these factors in our relations with neighbors. Good relations with neighbors is a priority issue for us. I can say that we have managed to achieve that, these relationships are built on the principles of equality, mutual respect and noninterference in each other's affairs.

But it should also be noted that from the very first day of Azerbaijan’s independence, maybe even before that, we were living in the conditions of information warfare. Since the late 1980s, Armenia and the Armenian lobby waged an information war against Azerbaijan. I can say that in the first years of independence we lost this struggle. Perhaps it was inevitable because we did not have such external resources. The unsightly processes taking place in the country at the time, power struggles, civil war and economic recession did not allow us to achieve the desired results on the international scene. But today I can say with full confidence that we are winning the information war with Armenia, especially the Armenian lobby. Their nervous and hysterical escapades observed lately suggest that we have made great strides in the information war.

Of course, along with government policies, I want to commend the work of media institutions in this field. We are already able to inform the world public of Azerbaijan’s realities. This is enabled by the existing print resources and the growing number of our friends in the world. As you know, Azerbaijan is a very important country for energy and regional security today. In a number of cases our opinion, approval and the steps being taken prove decisive. It is not by chance that the number of those interested in establishing friendly relations with Azerbaijan is on the increase. This means our information resources. In recent years, we have opened dozens of embassies. There are over 50 Azerbaijani embassies around the world now. This also means our information resources. Our representatives can and do conduct any actions anywhere in the world. We are conducting a proactive diplomacy, we have the resources – both intellectual and material. Therefore, it is no coincidence that we are getting the upper hand in the struggle against the Armenian lobby. Of course, this is causing their utmost concern, and eventually we will achieve even more impressive strides in this fight.

I do believe that under the current circumstances information struggle is one of the priority issues. We live in an era of the Internet and globalization, and should make maximum use of all modern possibilities. It should also be noted that some information about Azerbaijan is wide of the mark. certain circles – I probably ought not to name them, we know them too well – spread lies and slander about Azerbaijan. There are reasons for that, and, of course, it is not only about the Armenian lobby, although their trace is quite visible. In general, we know who writes what, when and for what purpose. If we pay attention to the processes unfolding in and outside our country, we can observe a link between the negative information relating to Azerbaijan and certain important events taking place in the region. We know it, we see it and we must fight it.

I should note that the main reason for the smear campaign against Azerbaijan lies in the fact that our country pursues an independent policy, doesn’t bow to anyone, does not obey anyone’s orders and is governed only by the interests of its people. Of course, there are circles who are not very impressed with that. The inability to exert pressure on us compels them to take such a muddy path. But we need to remain calm. This is one of the methods of modern political struggle. We should not succumb to emotion. But we will not deviate from our path either. The best answer to all these slanderous forces is dedication to our strategic course. Azerbaijan will not swerve from this path and it is impossible to put pressure on Azerbaijan. All pressure attempts have failed, the more pressure is put on us, the more steadfast, unbreakable, inflexible and persistent we will become.

Azerbaijan is an independent country. Azerbaijan's future is in the hands of its people. The will of the Azerbaijani people is above everything, and we should all try to protect our country. It is not ruled out that in the future we will come under even more pressure due to our geographical location, regional processes, our strengthening economy and transformation into a powerful and modern state.

We have always pursued a very sincere policy with foreign partners. We always tried to build these relations on the basis of friendship and cooperation and, as I said, the number of our friends in the world is increasing. But there are also hostile forces. As I have noted, there are various reasons for that. Some simply cannot reconcile themselves with Azerbaijan’s successes, are envious to see our improving cities. Baku is one of the most beautiful cities in the world today. I am using this expression now, but I am sure that there will come a time when Baku will become the most beautiful city in the world. Beauty, comfort, safety, climate, and the goodwill and hospitality of our people – all these factors distinguish our city and country. We are trying to eliminate the shortcomings existing in our country and cities, improve the situation, take additional measures for the convenience of people.

Let me go back to today's topic. The role of the press in this area is indispensable. I am in favor of fair criticism because fair and unbiased criticism is very important for every government. Of course, we are in control of the situation, we know what is happening in the country. But there are areas that fall out of focus, and here the role of the press should be critical. I appreciate this role and am very tolerant of fair criticism. Of course, libel, slander and insults are unacceptable. I should note that such phenomena have reduced both in Azerbaijani society as a whole and, as I noted earlier, in the press. I am confident that over time this will manifest itself even more clearly, and all rules of struggle in Azerbaijan will be civilized.

Today, I must say that I am honored to be named a friend of journalists. Frankly speaking, I was not expecting the prize, I simply sought in my efforts to support this important sector. I know that journalists have housing problems. Journalists are not businessmen to create all the necessary conditions for themselves. When I put forward the initiative on the construction of apartments and houses for journalists, I never expected – although I am not linking the two things – that I would receive this award. But I think that this step has played a role. We must speak openly about everything, I did it selflessly, because I knew that this was necessary. I appreciate the work of journalists. This is a very difficult job. Sometimes journalists are faced with injustices and come under pressure. We know about that. Therefore, social security, domestic issues of journalists should be resolved. The Decree I signed this year and the allocation of funds from the presidential reserve fund were only first steps. Today I want to say that we do not consider this work complete. In the future, similar steps will be taken, and, I repeat, we do not expect anything in return. I addressed journalists then, suggesting that the distribution of apartments should benefit all areas, all media camps. There should be no discrimination, the main principle should be justice.

At this year's meeting with members of the Press Council, I sincerely talked about the development of journalism and free press in Azerbaijan. Today, I am also sharing with you some of my thoughts. Once again I want to say that regardless of this award, I will continue to strive for further development of this field in Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijani state will provide its support. The Azerbaijani state and myself will do everything possible to create modern journalism in the country.

Dear friends, let me thank everyone who contributed to the decision to award me. I can assure you that I appreciate being a friend of journalists. I will try to justify this title, and serve the people of Azerbaijan with dignity and honor.

I heartily congratulate you on the coming Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis and the New Year. I wish each of you happiness, health and family prosperity in 2011. Thank you.