[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 15 (Tuesday, January 24, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E47]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       REMEMBERING ANNIVERSARY OF ``BLACK JANUARY'' IN AZERBAIJAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. STEVE COHEN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 24, 2023

  Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the 33rd anniversary of 
the ``Black January'' killings in Azerbaijan.
  On the night of January 20, 1990, approximately 26,000 Soviet troops 
stormed Azerbaijan's capital city of Baku in tanks and armored 
vehicles. The Soviet military bulldozed and open fired on innocent 
Azerbaijanis and peaceful protestors, including women and children. The 
attack resulted in 147 people killed, around 800 injured, 841 arrested, 
and 5 missing. I offer my thoughts and prayers to the families of those 
who gave their lives for the independence of Azerbaijan.
  Despite these merciless acts, the Azerbaijani people continued to 
fight for their freedom and became independent in 1991. The United 
States was one of the first countries to recognize Azerbaijan's 
independence and fully established diplomatic relations on February 28, 
1992.
  As the co-chairman of the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus, I 
recognize the sacrifices of the Azerbaijani people in their steps 
toward a free-market economy and encourage a recommitment to the 
democratic values for which many Azerbaijanis sacrificed their lives.

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