[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 40 (Wednesday, March 16, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E504]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING THE 19TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE KHOJALY TRAGEDY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TIM HOLDEN

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 16, 2011

  Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Khojaly 
tragedy that occurred 19 years ago in Azerbaijan. Over the night from 
February 25th to February 26th, an unprecedented massacre was committed 
against the Azerbaijani people in the town of Khojaly.
  Azerbaijan has been a longtime ally and friend of the United States. 
On Christmas Day in 1991, President George H.W. Bush announced the 
recognition of Azerbaijan independence along with other former Soviet 
Republics. Azerbaijan has been involved in NATO's Partnership for Peace 
program and has participated in U.S.-led military missions in Kosovo, 
Afghanistan, and Iraq. During this time of unrest in the Middle East, 
the peaceful alliance with Azerbaijan is more important than ever.
  Mr. Speaker, the tragedy of Khojaly was a grim and horrific event and 
I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering the people of Azerbaijan 
on this tragic anniversary.

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