[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 81 (Friday, June 1, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E966]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                COMMEMORATING AZERBAIJAN'S REPUBLIC DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DAN BOREN

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, June 1, 2012

  Mr. BOREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the people of the 
Republic of Azerbaijan and their celebration of Republic Day on May 28.
  Azerbaijan first declared independence from the Russian Empire on May 
28, 1918. Though the Azerbaijan Republic later succumbed to Soviet 
forces in 1920, in its 2 years of independence Azerbaijan achieved a 
number of measures on state-building, armed forces, education, economy, 
and universal suffrage, from which it benefits today. Azerbaijan 
restored its independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet 
Union.
  Azerbaijan is a key global security partner for the United States. 
Azerbaijan was among the first nations to offer unconditional support 
for US and its allies in anti-terrorism efforts, providing use of its 
airspace, airports, and troops for operations in Afghanistan. 
Azerbaijani troops were also part of international contingent in Kosovo 
and Iraq.
  Azerbaijan has opened Caspian energy resources to development by U.S. 
companies and has emerged as a key player for global energy security. 
The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline project is the most successful project 
contributing to the development of the South Caucasus region and has 
become the main artery delivering Caspian Sea hydrocarbons to the U.S. 
and our partners in Europe.
  As a proud Co-Chair of Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus I call my 
colleagues to join me in congratulating the Republic of Azerbaijan on 
this important occasion.

                          ____________________