Former Ambassador Speeches

Ambassador Reno Harnish III
BSU Speech

May 26, 2004

A Call to Action:
Youth Leadership Building a Better Azerbaijani Future

I.

Thank you very much for the honor of speaking to the future of Azerbaijan-you, the students of Baku State University. It is with great pleasure that I stand before you today.
Let me begin by quoting a well-known American President, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who guided America through difficult times not unlike what Azerbaijan faces today:
We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future…The only limit to your realization of tomorrow will be your doubts of today.
Let me be perfectly clear about the daunting challenge that you face as individuals, family members, citizens of the Azerbaijani state, and members of a larger and complex community of nations. There is no stability in stagnation; you must move forward because there is no going back.
To that extent, I would like you to consider three questions:

• Where are you right now?
• Where are you going?
• Where do you want to be?

  II.

I stand before you here today and celebrate with you the significant gains that Azerbaijan has achieved since independence. You have reason to be proud of these accomplishments and the sacrifices that were made by those that came before you. For example:

Azerbaijan's economy continues to improve, and Baku is fast becoming a modern city with construction, economy, and activity everywhere. Thanks to the development of its oil and gas resources, inflation is under control and the economy is growing. Azerbaijan stands poised to make even greater advances in the future.

Azerbaijan is a valued strategic partner of the United States, and has steadfastly supported the global war on terrorism as a member of the Coalition of the Willing. Indeed, Azerbaijan has made important contributions to vital global peace-keeping operations, such as Azeri troops serving the interests of democracy and peace in Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq.

You have successfully integrated into important international institutions such as OSCE and the Council of Europe. And last week, your country made further strides toward your European neighbors and NATO's Partnership for Peace Program.

However, there is still much work to be done to make Azerbaijan and its place in the world better for you, your families, and Azerbaijanis throughout this nation. This road of progress is neither straight nor short, but rather it is long and winding. There will be many bumps and detours towards your goal of becoming a strong and independent, yet cooperative and interactive, member of the world community. A free and democratic country, with a transparent and accountable government and a vibrant free market economy, are noble and necessary goals.

I believe that the most progressive and attractive path to a better Azerbaijani future is to move towards the west and the structures, institutions, and support that the west is willing and able to share with you. In particular, there is a "European Space" that Azerbaijan has every right to claim. You must continue to move down the path of progress and democracy. You must also pursue more responsibility, accountability, and liberty.

By this, I mean that:

• You must work to build a more stable and secure market economy, free of the encumbrances of monopolies, graft, and corruption; there is great opportunity here for entrepreneurial spirit and foreign investment;
  
• You must build on your efforts to bring more accountability and transparency to your government; civic action, volunteerism, and dedication are crucial;
• You must continue participation in the Partnership for Peace Program; we are partners in bringing security and stability to a world-and this region-which has grown very dangerous;

You must fight for the expansion of a truly democratic space - a space that allows open and constructive dialogue over issues that matter to all Azeris. Such a space would welcome freedom of association and freedom of speech. A free and responsible media is an integral part of this. Truth and knowledge are essential to any democracy, and ought to be demanded by each and every one of you.

These are not primarily the desires of America and the west; these are rights and responsibilities that you deserve. You have experienced much as a nation and as individuals, and, should you take this opportunity to build on those experiences, there is a better world-a better Azerbaijan-waiting for you.
I am not here today to simply tell you what you should do; I'm also here to remind you that we are partners in this endeavor. America believes that its partnership with Azerbaijan is worthy of great respect and resources, and we have done much to help you progress towards the achievement of ideals of which I have spoken. For Instance:
The United States continues to provide the Government of Azerbaijan with assistance, totaling 70 million dollars this year alone. These monies will help Azerbaijan move from an economy focused on energy development in the capital of Baku, to a more broadly based economy with benefits for all Azeris no matter where they live.

We have provided expert advice to the government on how to combat corruption, and we have allocated tens of thousands of dollars for an assessment of how best to target future US government anti-corruption assistance.
The United States is working with Azeris from all realms of society to help Azerbaijan achieve its goal of becoming a truly free and democratic society that lives up to all international standards for democracy and human rights. We are spending millions of dollars to help improve the access of all Azeris to information. This includes helping develop more free and responsible journalism, and expanding internet access even in remote regions of the country.
Lastly, the United States places much emphasis on the need for rule of law. The building blocks for a society under the rule of law include the legal system, the political party system, local and national law enforcement, the military, and democratic institutions such as parliament. Our assistance in this field also includes the development of civil society. We believe that democracy begins with people - people must have the willingness and the ability to become involved in governing themselves.

III.

In closing, I would like to remind you that as students in this university, as citizens who realize the need for progress, and as youth who must take hold of the future, only you can make this change. Do not doubt that you can make these changes and bring progress to Azerbaijan. You must be the builders of that future, and you must wield the tools for building it. This challenge must be met with spirit, enthusiasm, and strength. For yourselves, your families, and Azerbaijan, you must claim your place in this modern world. In the words of the great Azeri poet, Abdulla Shaik:
Go forward, never turn back if there is no need. Think of the days to come, to the

future alone pay heed. Always strive forward, do not stop, keep your aim in sight.

Again, I would like you to consider three questions, and I believe you should give each of them serious thought:

• Where are you right now?
• Where are you going?
• Where do you want to be?

As partners we can work together on solutions to these questions, but as the youth and future of Azerbaijan, you must provide the true and final answers.
Thank you very much.