[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 125 (Friday, September 29, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1963]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF AZERBAIJAN'S INDEPENDENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 29, 2006

  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, as Co-Chair of the Azerbaijan Caucus, I rise 
to congratulate one of our key democratic allies--the Republic of 
Azerbaijan--as it prepares to celebrate the 15th Anniversary of its 
independence on October 18.
  Azerbaijan is one of the United States' leading allies on the war 
against terrorism, with the distinction of being among the first to 
offer our nation unconditional support; providing airspace and airport 
use for Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghistan. And, AzerbaIjan was 
also the first Muslim nation to send troops to Iraq. Though bilateral 
cooperation on terrorism issues between the United States and 
Azerbaijan predates September 11, 2001, our relations were strengthened 
following their immediate, and heretofore unwavering, support against 
the war on terrorism.
  Azerbaijan cooperates with the United States within international and 
regional institutions including the UN, Organization for Security and 
Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and NATO's Partnership for Peace program. 
Regionally, Azerbaijan 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. GUAM was 
created as a political, economic and strategic alliance in order to 
collaboratively address common risks and threats and thereby strengthen 
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 with in 
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.
  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 sectors, creating new jobs, evaluation of 
potential industries and markets and development of infrastructure in 
the regions.
  The last 15 years of independence has not been without challenges, 
but the country has grown stronger with each new challenge it faces. 
Let us today commend the Republic of Azerbaijan on their forthcoming 
15th Anniversary celebrations. And, let us also commit ourselves to 
their continued development as a global partner against the terrorism, 
toward economic growth, diversification of energy resources, and 
strengthening stability and security in the region.

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