[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 11 (Wednesday, January 25, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E78]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN REMEMBRANCE OF BLACK JANUARY IN AZERBAIJAN

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS-

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 25, 2012

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with the people of Azerbaijan in 
remembrance of the 22nd anniversary of the tragic events of Black 
January, when at midnight of January 19, 1990, 26,000 Soviet troops 
stormed the capital city of Baku with tanks and armored vehicles to 
crush the demonstrators. The shooting continued for three days and 
among the victims were women, children and elderly citizens.
  Black January had a profound effect on Azerbaijan. However, it was 
the opposite of what the Soviets had wanted. For 40 days, the country 
mourned the victims and as a sign of mass protest stayed away from 
work. This was a turning point in the history of Azerbaijan. This 
massacre did not stop the people of Azerbaijan from continuing their 
struggle for national independence. The Azerbaijani national movement 
succeeded to stand against Soviet challenge, and Soviet troops 
eventually had to withdraw from Baku. Subsequently, Azerbaijan declared 
its independence on October 18, 1991.
  Azerbaijan has developed into a thriving country and has become an 
essential partner of the United States in the region, collaborating on 
strengthening energy security and working together to counter 
terrorism, drug-trafficking and extremism. I would like to thank the 
Azerbaijani people for their friendship and share my thoughts and 
prayers with the families of those who gave their lives fighting for a 
better Azerbaijan. The United States will continue to work with 
Azerbaijan and other countries in the region to resolve protracted 
conflicts, to promote democratic development, to maintain stability, 
strengthen institutions, and enhance the rule of law.

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