[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 100 (Thursday, May 28, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E502]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE 102ND ANNIVERSARY OF THE REPUBLIC DAY OF AZERBAIJAN

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                           HON. PAUL A. GOSAR

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 28, 2020

  Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 102nd 
anniversary of Azerbaijan's Republic Day. On this day in 1918, 
Azerbaijan emerged from autocracy to establish a Parliamentarian 
Republic. Today, it shines as an example of freedom in a region of the 
world historically plagued in the darkness of repression and 
inequality.
  Republic Day honors the declaration of independence from the Russian 
Empire. While the rise of the Soviet Union would undermine its 
sovereignty once again within two years, the achievements in state 
building Azerbaijan made in those two years are a testament to the 
abilities of a free Azeri people.
  In 1991, Azerbaijan emerged once again, seizing the opportunity 
presented to them, declaring its right to govern itself and live free. 
This symbolic emergence ensured the world that this was a continuation 
on the freedom and progress assembled between 1918 and 1920.
  Since then, our nations have worked strongly together to promote 
energy security, increase bilateral trade and investment, and counter 
terrorism and transnational threats. It has been my great honor to aid 
in the maintenance of strong ties between our nations, and I look 
forward to furthering our cooperation to continue to bring peace, 
security, and stability to the region.
  Madam Speaker, I congratulate the Republic of Azerbaijan and its 
people for its proud history in the pursuit of freedom and its 
commitment to developing solutions to modern problems. I urge my 
colleagues to join me in honoring this day and wish another century of 
strength and prosperity on Azerbaijan.

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