[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 30 (Monday, February 27, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E254]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               AZERBAIJAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. VIRGINIA FOXX

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 27, 2012

  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, since declaring its independence from the 
Soviet Union, Azerbaijan has been a valuable ally to the United States 
in a turbulent region. In the true spirit of friendship, it seems 
appropriate for Congress to note the 20th anniversaries of two 
important events in their country's history which take place in late-
February.
  February 26 marked the 20th anniversary of the Khojaly Tragedy which 
is the largest of Azerbaijani civilians in the country's history.
  The town of Khojaly is located in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of 
Azerbaijan and was then home to some 7,000 Azerbaijani citizens. On 
February 25 26, 1992, in a period of less than 12 hours, 613 citizens 
were slain at the hands of Armenian forces.
  In the wake of these atrocities, Human Rights Watch described the 
advancing forces as committing ``unconscionable acts of violence 
against civilians as they fled.'' Given our deepening ties with 
Azerbaijan it is important for American citizens to remember this 
event.
  February 28 is the 20th anniversary of the establishment of 
Azerbaijani-American diplomatic relations, which is an event forming a 
partnership which of importance to both countries.
  The initial focus of these relations was on trade between the two 
countries and, in particular, Azerbaijan's abundant natural resources. 
Today, Azerbaijan is a full partner to the United States, working with 
us and our allies to safeguard our combined security and prosperity.
  One of the most telling examples of their commitment to this 
partnership came in the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 
2001, when Azerbaijan pledged to stand by the United States as in our 
efforts to secure the homeland and bring justice to the perpetrators of 
this tragedy.
  True to its word, Azerbaijan has supported allied efforts in the War 
on Terror by allowing unrestricted access to its territory for American 
aircraft, troops and supplies, as well as committing its own troops to 
fight alongside our own.
  As these two important anniversaries come to pass, I join Azerbaijan 
in mourning those who died in Khojaly, celebrating 20 years of shared 
diplomatic relations, and hoping for the continued security and 
prosperity of our nations in an ever-more dangerous world.

                          ____________________