[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 31 (Tuesday, February 25, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E242]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     REGARDING THE KHOJALY TRAGEDY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. VIRGINIA FOXX

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 25, 2014

  Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, since declaring its independence from the 
Soviet Union, Azerbaijan has been a reliable friend and valuable ally 
of the United States. For this reason, it seems appropriate for 
Congress to commemorate the victims of the Khojaly tragedy as the 
Azerbaijani people mark the anniversary of this event.
  Since the early 1990s, Azerbaijan has been involved in a conflict 
with its neighbor to the West, Armenia. The Khojaly tragedy was the 
single worst day in this conflict, resulting in hundreds of lives lost, 
families devastated, and the town destroyed. Given our deepening ties 
with Azerbaijan, it is important for Americans to remember this event.
  A cease-fire was negotiated in 1994, but the conflict remains 
unresolved. I remain confident a resolution will be found. The United 
States is serving as a co-chair to the Minsk Group, along with France 
and Russia. Together these three nations are working to facilitate a 
peaceful resolution to the conflict.
  The anniversary of this horrible tragedy is an appropriate time to 
honor the victims of these atrocities and reflect on the need for all 
parties to work together to bring a swift end to this conflict. I urge 
my colleagues to join me in standing with Azerbaijanis as they 
commemorate this tragedy.

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