[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 112 (Friday, July 25, 2003)]
[House]
[Page H7622]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               DEMOCRATIC SUCCESSION PLAN FOR AZERBAIJAN

  (Mr. KIRK asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. KIRK. Mr. Speaker, the United States and our allies need a 
democratic succession plan for the Government of Azerbaijan. Our 
country's energy policy depends in large part on foreign energy supply, 
and much of it comes from the Caspian region in Azerbaijan. The former 
President there, President Aliev, a former KGB leader, is coming in and 
out of a coma on death's door and trying to have his son succeed him.
  I think for the long-term future of the United States' interests and 
those of our allies, we need to back a true democracy in Azerbaijan 
with a wide range of candidates, but right now some of the most 
powerful and important candidates are not allowed to register. For 
example, the former Speaker of the House in Azerbaijan has had no 
opportunity to stand before the people of Azerbaijan for election.
  Mr. Speaker, this administration, and the administration of our 
allies, needs to support a true democratic process so we can have a 
stable Caspian region which is so important to the world's energy 
supply and so important to the economy of the United States.

                          ____________________