[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 59 (Thursday, April 10, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E568]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN SUPPORT OF THE UKRAINE, AZERBAIJAN, AND GEORGIA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. FILEMON VELA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 10, 2014

  Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to condemn the actions of Russia 
in the Crimean Peninsula.
   Now is the time for the United States to show our solidarity with 
former Soviet states such as Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, while 
encouraging these nations to continue to institute democratic reforms 
and modernize their economies.
   Countries in the Caucus region such as Azerbaijan and Georgia are 
located at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe--a 
strategic location for U.S. foreign policy objectives given that Russia 
is to the north and Iran is to the south.
   With the volatility and strategic importance of this region, the 
U.S. must continue to work with its allies such as Ukraine, Azerbaijan, 
and Georgia to ensure their sovereignty is protected, especially in 
light of Russia's actions in the Crimean Peninsula.
   Mr. Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to recognize the 
importance of our country's relationship with Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and 
Georgia.

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