[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 69 (Thursday, May 16, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E682]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  STATEMENT ON AZERBAIJAN REPUBLIC DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RUBEN HINOJOSA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 16, 2013

  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring 
the Republic of Azerbaijan in celebration of the 95th anniversary of 
Republic Day on May 28th. Later this year, Azerbaijan will also 
celebrate the 22nd anniversary of its freedom from the Soviet Union and 
the beginning of diplomatic relations with the United States.
  Located at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe, 
Azerbaijan was established in 1918 becoming the first democratic and 
secular republic in the Muslim world before being incorporated into the 
Soviet Union in 1920. The country regained its independence in 1991.
  The U.S. and Azerbaijan have developed a strong relationship through 
the opening of Caspian energy sources for development by American 
companies, which has also allowed the country to emerge as an essential 
player in global energy security. The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline 
project has become a vital part of delivering Caspian Sea resources to 
world markets and serves as a prime example of the development of the 
South Caucasus region.
  Azerbaijan has continually assisted the United States on matters of 
international security, supporting and participating in operations in 
both Kosovo and Iraq as well as being actively engaged in Afghanistan. 
Azerbaijan has regularly facilitated landing and refueling operations 
for U.S. and NATO forces in the region. Furthermore, Azerbaijan offered 
strong and immediate aid to the United States directly following the 
devastating events of 9/11.
  Again, it is my distinct pleasure to honor the Republic of Azerbaijan 
in celebration of the 95th anniversary of Republic Day, and to 
recognize the valuable bilateral relationship between the United States 
and Azerbaijan.

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