CONSTIFPP.DOC 522 2/7/01 10:40 PM N.C. J. INT’L L. & COM. REG. [Vol 24 traditional community-based assistance and fraternity, love for family, respect for elders, mutual respect and consideration; Convinced that the establishment of a democratic order, through the participation of and in response to the needs and interests of citizens, which guarantees the recognition and protection of the rights of citizens, human dignity, equality, balanced development and the satisfaction of the material and spiritual needs of citizens, is the foundation of economic growth, social harmony and progress; Noting the fact that the Eritrean women’s heroic participation in the struggle for independence, human rights and solidarity, based on equality and mutual respect, generated by such struggle will serve as an unshakable foundation for our commitment to create a society in which women and men shall interact on the bases of mutual respect, solidarity and equality; Desirous that the Constitution we are adopting will be a covenant between us and the government, which we will be forming by our free-will, to serve as a means for governing in harmony this and future generations and for bringing about justice and peace, founded on democracy, national unity and the rule of law; Today, 23 May 1997, on this historic date, after active popular participation, approve and solemnly ratify, through the Constituent Assembly, this Constitution as the fundamental law of our Sovereign and Independent State of Eritrea. CHAPTER I: GENERAL PROVISIONS Article 1 - The State of Eritrea and its Territory 1. 2. 3. Eritrea is a sovereign and independent State founded on the principles of democracy, social justice and the rule of law. The territory of Eritrea consists of all its territories, including the islands, territorial waters and airspace, delineated by recognised boundaries. In the State of Eritrea, sovereign power is vested in the people, and shall be exercised pursuant to the provisions of this Constitution.