Former Ambassador Speeches

Remarks on U.S. Independence Day by Ambassador Reno Harnish

July 2, 2004
Baku, Azerbaijan

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Foreign Minister, Ladies and Gentlemen, good evening and welcome.

Thank you for honoring us by being here on the occasion of the 228th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America.

In the year 1776, thirteen American states came together to form a new nation. This was a revolutionary act based on a new philosophy of government, and of the government's relationship to free men. That philosophy was outlined by Thomas Jefferson and the Second Continental Congress in the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson wrote:

"We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights.... That to secure these rights governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."

In dedicating a country to the principles of equality and freedom, our Founding Fathers began the process of striving toward democracy, toward tolerance and respect for the rights of all, toward securing a just and prosperous life for our people. Over the years since then, we have overcome many trials in an effort to build a society in which the government serves the people, and we have encouraged others to do likewise.

The people of Azerbaijan have chosen the path of democracy. We are working together to advance the development of Azerbaijan's democracy and civil society, and the revival and reform of Azerbaijan's economy. In fact, the pursuit of the democratic ideal should be the heart of the partnership between the United States and Azerbaijan and the friendship between our two peoples.

Although Azerbaijan will encounter trials along the way -- as every democratic nation has -- the process must continue. MÑ?mmÑ?d Яmin RÑ?sulzadÑ? said it himself more than 80 years ago -- "Bir kÑ?rÑ? yuksÑ?lÑ?n bayraq bir daha enmÑ?z!" ("The banner of liberty, once hoisted, will never be lowered again.")

Thank you for joining in this effort, and thank you again for honoring us with your presence tonight.