[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 10 (Thursday, January 16, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E52]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       AZERBAIJAN--BLACK JANUARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT B. ADERHOLT

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 16, 2020

  Mr. ADERHOLT. Madam Speaker, this month, our friend and ally, the 
Republic of Azerbaijan marks the 30th anniversary of ``Black January.'' 
This time period symbolizes the beginning of the end of Soviet rule 
over Azerbaijan, an occupation that existed for much of the 20th 
Century. Violent conflict erupted in Azerbaijan's capital city of Baku 
on January 19-20, 1990 when Soviet troops killed over 100 Azeri 
demonstrators and wounded another 700.
  In stark contrast to the violence of the Soviet military, the people 
of Azerbaijan continued their peaceful protests until declaring 
independence from the U.S.S.R. on October 18, 1991.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in commemorating the events of Black 
January in Azerbaijan and honoring those who lost their lives in 
pursuit of freedom. The United States continues to stand with our ally 
and partner.

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