[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 124 (Thursday, September 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1854]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  COMMEMORATING THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE REPUBLIC OF AZERBAIJAN'S 
                              INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 27, 2006

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to 
acknowledge Azerbaijan's 15th anniversary of its re-independence on 
October 18. In the current global political climate, Azerbaijan is 
unique among democracies as the world's first Muslim democratic 
republic.
  Azerbaijan is one of the United States' most important friends and 
supporters. We share important political, economic and security 
interests.
  Azerbaijan was the first among nations to offer the United States 
unconditional support in the war against terrorism, providing airspace 
and airport use for Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. 
Azerbaijan cooperates with the United States within international and 
regional institutions including U.N., Organization for Security and 
Cooperation in Europe--OSCE, and NATO's Partnership for Peace program. 
Azerbaijan also works together with the United States within the 
framework of the Organization for Democracy and Development--GUAM which 
is comprised of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. The group 
was created as a political, economic and strategic alliance aimed at 
overcoming common risks and threats and strengthening the independence 
and sovereignty of its member states.
  The Republic of Azerbaijan is a standout nation among the South 
Caucasus countries, with a population of 8 million people and an 
ambitious economic policy. During the last decade Azerbaijan has been 
implementing structural reforms and adopting numerous laws and 
legislative changes, paving the way toward further integration within 
the global economy. The Nation has been moving toward a more 
diversified economy to achieve sustainable growth and to meet the 
social and development needs of its population. As reported by the 
International Monetary Fund, IMF, Azerbaijan's macroeconomic 
performance ``has been impressive with strong growth, low inflation, 
and a stable exchange rate.'' Real GDP grew by an annual average of 
over 10 percent during the last 6 years and build up to 34.4 percent in 
the first 8 months of 2006, driven by investments in the energy sector, 
followed by growth in the construction and transportation sectors, and 
agriculture.
  Since signing the ``Contract of the Century'' in 1994, Azerbaijan has 
developed its energy sources within the Caspian region to diversify 
western energy supplies. On July 13, 2006 the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan main 
oil export pipeline was inaugurated.
  Diversification of the economy and ensuring the development of non-
oil sectors is a priority for the government. This policy includes 
implementation of projects and programs that create favorable 
conditions for development of private entrepreneurship, attracting 
investment in non-oil sector, creating new jobs, evaluation of 
potential industries and markets and development of infrastructure in 
the regions.
  A democratic, prosperous, and peaceful Azerbaijan will be a strong 
partner and ally for the United States. I look forward to working with 
the Azerbaijani Government and people to develop this relationship.
  Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues in the House of Representatives 
today in commemorating Azerbaijan's independence. I look forward to the 
bonds of friendship between the United States and Azerbaijan becoming 
even stronger in the future.

                          ____________________