Baku: Azerbaijan will celebrate State Sovereignty Day on September 20, marking a significant milestone in the country's historical journey toward fully exercising state authority within its internationally recognized borders. Although only added to the national calendar two years ago, this date is a culmination of extensive political, military, and legal processes spanning over three decades.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the significance of September 20 extends beyond the events of September 2023. This date provides an answer to the complex question of when Azerbaijan completed aligning its internationally recognized borders with its actual authority within those borders. Since 1991, Azerbaijan has existed as a sovereign state under international law, with its territorial integrity reaffirmed by UN Security Council documents, including Resolution 822, which demanded the withdrawal of forces from occupied territories.
However, sovereignty transcends international recognition; it encompasses a state's ability to control its borders, enforce laws, and exercise governance throughout its territory. Azerbaijan faced the contradiction of having its territories recognized internationally as part of the country but lacking the ability to exert authority over them.
The 2020 war marked a decisive stage in restoring territorial integrity. The 44-day conflict altered the previous status quo, allowing Azerbaijan to regain control over several regions. The trilateral statement signed on November 10, 2020, facilitated the return of districts such as Aghdam, Kalbajar, and Lachin to Azerbaijan. Despite this progress, challenges remained, including the presence of a Russian peacekeeping contingent in Karabakh and incomplete administrative control.
On April 23, 2023, Azerbaijan established a checkpoint at the Armenia-Azerbaijan border on the Lachin-Khankendi road, a vital step in asserting state control. Border control epitomizes sovereignty; without it, a state cannot fully exercise its authority. This checkpoint served as a transitional stage leading up to the events of September 2023.
On September 19, 2023, Azerbaijan initiated local anti-terror measures in Karabakh, concluding within 24 hours on September 20. A subsequent presidential decree in 2024 declared September 20 as State Sovereignty Day, signifying the full restoration of sovereignty. This day marked the end of separate armed and political entities within Azerbaijan, bringing the state's constitutional order into effect across its territory.
Independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty hold distinct meanings for Azerbaijan. Independence signifies freedom from external authority, territorial integrity ensures indivisibility, and sovereignty empowers the state to exercise supreme authority. Over 35 years, Azerbaijan has journeyed through these stages: independence in 1991, territorial integrity restoration in 2020, and full sovereignty in September 2023.
The journey to practical sovereignty involves more than military or political gains; it requires establishing effective state governance. Post-September 2023, Azerbaijan focuses on developing institutions, ensuring the return of citizens, and restoring economic and social activities across its territory. Sovereignty encompasses ensuring citizens experience a uniform legal system and public services nationwide.
The declaration of 2025 as the "Year of Constitution and Sovereignty" aligns with these goals. The presidential decree emphasizes the Constitution's legal force throughout Azerbaijan due to recent historical events. The Action Plan for 2025 includes celebrating State Sovereignty Day and the Constitution's 30th anniversary, emphasizing the importance of the Constitution in achieving full sovereignty.
The focus has shifted from restoring territorial integrity to developing Azerbaijan under full sovereignty. September 20 signifies the alignment of Azerbaijan's legal and actual state boundaries. Moving forward, sovereignty will be measured by the quality of life and governance within its territory.