[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 28, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E847]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                COMMEMORATING AZERBAIJAN'S REPUBLIC DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 28, 2014

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring 
the Republic of Azerbaijan in celebration of Republic Day on May 28.
   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.
   Lasting only two years, from May 1918 to April 1920, Azerbaijan's 
first democratically elected government was committed to a strong and 
independent democratic state.
   The desire of independence did not die in Azerbaijan in 1920. On 
October 18, 1991, the Independent Republic of Azerbaijan was officially 
restored by a declaration of Azerbaijan's National Assembly, Milli 
Mejlis.
   Today Azerbaijan is a thriving democracy and a strong ally to the 
U.S. Azerbaijan enjoys one of the fastest growing economies in the 
world. With the inauguration of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline, oil 
from the Caspian Sea now has an alternative route to reach world 
markets, bypassing Russian controlled pipelines. Soon the parallel 
natural gas pipeline will further dilute Russia's monopoly on energy in 
that region.
   Azerbaijan is a partner in international and regional organizations 
including the U.N., Organization for Security and Cooperation in 
Europe, and NATO's Partnership for Peace program.
   Again, it is my distinct pleasure to honor the Republic of 
Azerbaijan in celebration of the 96th anniversary of Republic Day, and 
to recognize the invaluable bilateral relationship between the United 
States and Azerbaijan.

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