[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 93 (Tuesday, June 4, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E701]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





  RECOGNIZING THE 101ST ANNIVERSARY OF THE REPUBLIC DAY OF AZERBAIJAN

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                            HON. STEVE COHEN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 4, 2019

  Mr. COHEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 101st 
anniversary of the Republic Day of Azerbaijan, and to extend my best 
wishes to all Azerbaijanis. May 28th marks the founding of the 
Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan, when the people of Azerbaijan first 
gained their independence from the Russian Empire in 1918. Although 
Azerbaijan's independence was ended by Soviet forces in 1920, the 
Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan was the world's first secular 
parliamentary democratic republic in a predominantly Muslim nation--
earning diplomatic recognition from the United States during the 
administration of President Woodrow Wilson. We also recall that the 
Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan granted universal suffrage to its 
citizens in 1918, making it the first Muslim country to give women the 
right to vote.
   Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Azerbaijan restored its 
independence on October 18, 1991, when its Parliament adopted the 
Constitution Act on the Restoration of the State of Independence of the 
Republic of Azerbaijan.
   Azerbaijan has emerged as a key player for enhancing global energy 
security. Azerbaijan also provides roughly 40 percent of Israel's oil 
consumption and enjoys friendly ties with Israel beyond oil sales.
   Jews have resided in Azerbaijan for 2,500 years without persecution 
and today, the Jewish community in Azerbaijan numbers over 12,000. 
Azerbaijan is also home to Christian communities and has been praised 
for its religious tolerance by the European Parliament.
   Azerbaijan is a key global security partner for the United States. 
As an active member of NATO's Partnership for Peace program, Azerbaijan 
cooperates with the United States in countering terrorism, nuclear 
proliferation, and narcotics trafficking. Azerbaijani troops serve 
shoulder to shoulder with U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan, as they 
previously did in Kosovo and Iraq. In support of the International 
Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, Azerbaijan has extended 
important over-flight clearances for U.S. and NATO flights as well as 
regularly providing landing and refueling operations at its airports 
for U.S. and NATO forces.
   As co-chair of the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus, I stand with the 
Azerbaijani people as they continue to work towards independence and 
security as well as to embrace human rights and democratic values. I 
congratulate the people of Azerbaijan on the centennial of their 
Republic Day. May the partnership between the United States and 
Azerbaijan progress and continue to benefit both of our nations.

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