Statement by the South Azerbaijan Democratic Turkic Union (GADTB) on the Occasion of May 28 – Azerbaijan’s Independence Day

GADTB: The South Azerbaijan Democratic Turkic Union (GADTB) has issued a statement on the occasion of May 28 – Azerbaijan’s Independence Day. We present the statement as it is:

Statement of the South Azerbaijan Democratic Turkic Unity (GADTB) on 28 May –Azerbaijan Independence Day

28 May 1918 marks the day when North Azerbaijan was liberated from the domination of the Russian Empire and declared the independence of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.

The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was established under the leadership of the prominent statesman Muhammad Amin Rasulzadeh and through the will of the Azerbaijani people. It became the first democratic and secular republic in the Muslim East. The Azerbaijan Democratic Republic holds an important place in Azerbaijan’s history of statehood as one of the first states to promote human rights, free elections, and grant women the right to vote and to be elected.

The spirit of 28 May lives not only in North Azerbaijan, but also in the hearts of millions of Turks in South Azerbaijan who continue their struggle for freedom and national rights. This struggle continues under conditions governed by the Persian chauvinist regime, in pursuit of restoring national rights and securing a free future for our people.

Within the framework of the events commemorating 28 May – Independence Day of the Azerbaijan Republic, the South Azerbaijan Democratic Turkic Union (GADTB) declares that the core meaning of this day also represents support for the national struggle of the 40 million Turks of South Azerbaijan and more than 5 million members of our nation dispersed across the world. It reflects faith in the future establishment of a democratic republic based on national will and confidence in the unity of a greater Azerbaijan of 55 million people.

As GADTB, we believe that the unity, national consciousness, and continued struggle of our people will contribute to building a stronger, more democratic, and united Azerbaijan in the future.

Long live Azerbaijan! Long live a United Azerbaijan!

Respectfully,

Michael Oyta

Chair of the International Relations Department South Azerbaijan Democratic Turkic Unity (GADTB)

GADTB

Email: info@gadtb.com

P.O. Box 1864

Bondi Junction NSW 1355 Australia