[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 86 (Thursday, May 24, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E731-E732]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE REPUBLIC OF 
                               AZERBAIJAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEVE CHABOT

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 24, 2018

  Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Republic of 
Azerbaijan which celebrates the 100th anniversary of its independence 
on May 28--next Monday.
  On May 28, 1918 the Republic of Azerbaijan declared independence. 
Tragically, independence was short lived as the Bolsheviks invaded 
Azerbaijan and the country was eventually absorbed into the Soviet 
Union. The Azeri people never lost their desire to be free from their 
Soviet occupiers, however. With the fall

[[Page E732]]

of the U.S.S.R., Azerbaijan once again declared its independence in 
1991. The United States recognized Azerbaijan's independence on both 
occasions.
  Azerbaijan has proven to be a key security partner of the United 
States, providing unwavering support for the NATO mission in 
Afghanistan dating back to 2002. Azerbaijan also established diplomatic 
relations with our close ally Israel over 25 years ago and has a small 
but thriving Jewish community.
  Azerbaijan is also a leader in the energy sector. Azerbaijan is 
spearheading the Southern Gas Corridor which will bring natural gas 
from the Caspian Sea to our allies in Europe. This diversification of 
energy supplies will lessen Europe's reliance on Russia. Azerbaijan 
also provides Israel with 40 percent of its imported energy.
  Azerbaijan is a true friend of the United States and I once again 
commend the Republic of Azerbaijan on the 100th anniversary of its 
independence.

                          ____________________