Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

The U.S. State of Nevada has declared May 28 as Azerbaijan National Day in this state.

Brian Sandoval, Nevada’s governor has signed a proclamation declaring May 28, 2015 as the Azerbaijan National Day in the State of Nevada, Azerbaijani Consulate General in Los Angeles reported.

In the proclamation sent to the Consulate General, Sandoval noted that “on May 28, 1918, Azerbaijan declared its independence establishing the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, which became the first secular parliamentary democracy in the Muslim world and was recognized by the other democratic nations, including the U.S.”

He is also stated that “during the short period of independence Azerbaijan granted all people the right to vote regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, and religion, becoming the first Muslim nation to grant women equal political rights with men, an accomplishment preceding the U.S.”

Sandoval further notes that after restoring its independence in 1991, “Azerbaijan has consolidated its sovereignty and independence, and has become a staunch ally and strategic partner of the U.S. in the critically important Caspian region.”

Noting that every year “millions of Azerbaijanis around the globe, including tens of thousands in the U.S. observe May 28 as the National Day”, the governor proclaimed this date to be the Azerbaijan National Day in the State of Nevada.

May 28, 1918, marks the establishment of the ADR, the first independent republic and democratic state on the East. Although it existed for only 23 months, it brought about great progress in foreign policy, and introduced Azerbaijan to the international community.

Azerbaijan, which gained its independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union, celebrates May 28 annually as the Republic Day.

--

Sara Rajabova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @SaraRajabova

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz