[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 98 (Wednesday, June 27, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1163]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               AZERBAIJAN

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 27, 2012

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to draw my 
colleagues' attention to the tiny nation of Azerbaijan, which is a 
giant in world affairs.
  Situated between Iran and Russia, Azerbaijan stands as a friend of 
the United States and that friendship frequently concerns nearby 
nations.
  Part of what makes Azerbaijan a remarkable ally for the United States 
is that some 20 million Iranians are of Azeri descent, a large part of 
northern Iran is frequently referred to as ``southern Azerbaijan'' as a 
reminder that the territory was--for centuries--part of Azerbaijan.
  The development of Azeri oil and gas in the Caspian Sea, along with 
the major Azeri export pipelines that pump energy to Western markets, 
makes the region all the more strategic as a U.S. ally.
  But it is their geographical location to Afghanistan that makes them 
absolutely an essential ally for the U.S. Azerbaijan provides a crucial 
transit route to supply our troops in Afghanistan. With the expected 
closing of Manas air base in 2014, this route will be even more 
essential to our troops. They are a Muslim nation that is our friend, 
and our ally in the world.
  This Muslim nation is the example for a secular society of religious 
diversity. A majority Muslim nation with a significant population of 
Jews, Azerbaijan is an ally of Israel. Just this month, on the 
anniversary of Pope John Paul II's visit to Azerbaijan, the Vatican's 
Cardinal Fernando Filoni spoke at the Catholic Church of Baku, 
reminding us that ``An atmosphere of exemplary tolerance exists in 
Azerbaijan.''
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the 
importance of Azerbaijan--both to the United States and to the world.

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