To journalists of the "SES" newspaper

Dear journalists!

I congratulate you – the staff of Sas newspaper, which is the first independent press outlet of modern Azerbaijan, on the 20th anniversary of your activity.

Sas newspaper, which first saw the light of day at a time of intense public-political developments in January 1991, became an example of the really independent and democratic press. At a time when society desperately needed political pluralism, the newspaper became a rostrum for various public-political circles and sensible patriotic intellectuals, put up for public debate issues concerning citizens and topical problems of the day and continued its struggle despite various types of persecution and pressure.

In the years of independence, the freedom of speech and the press developed in Azerbaijan along with democratic changes and broad opportunities were created for the unhindered activities of the mass media. Sas newspaper, which differed from other press outlets with its own style and stance in the new circumstances, also established its working principles according to the requirements of time, always focused on all spheres of society's life and topical issues of public interest, was a real promoter of national statehood traditions and sought to meet its readership's demand for information. The national leader Heydar Aliyev always highly valued activities and services to society by Sas newspaper, which greatly contributed to the formation and development of pluralism in the press.

I believe that the staff of Sas newspaper, which remained loyal to its ideals in all periods of its activity, will remain a champion of the truth, demonstrate high professionalism and adherence to principles in protecting interests of national statehood and continue the progressive press traditions of our people with credit.

I congratulate the staff of the newspaper on the anniversary once again and wish you new creative successes.

Ilham Aliyev,
President of the Azerbaijan Republic

Baku, 17.01.2011.