[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 61 (Tuesday, May 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E789]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          MAY 28 REPUBLIC DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DAN BURTON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 14, 2002

  Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, the purpose of my remarks is to 
congratulate, on behalf of myself and my colleagues, the Republic of 
Azerbaijan on the May 28 Republic Day. After the break-up of the Soviet 
Union we have all seen Azerbaijan's strife not only to occupy its 
rightful place in the international community, but, first and foremost, 
to preserve its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, 
to promote the energy projects on the Caspian, as well as to establish 
relations of friendship and cooperation with the United States and the 
European nations.
  Now we consider Azerbaijan to be one of the strongest U.S. allies 
among the post-Soviet countries. The reforms in Azerbaijan, both 
economic and political, as well as this nation's role in the 
international antiterrorist campaign, prove its dedication to the 
democracy, free market economy, its intention to pursue cooperation, 
not confrontation.
  I extend my congratulations to President Aliyev and the people of the 
Republic of Azerbaijan and express my belief that the bilateral 
relations between our two countries will further develop and strengthen 
for the well-being of both our peoples, as well as with the purpose of 
furthering the U.S. interests in the South Caucasus, where Azerbaijan 
has become a stabilizing force.

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