[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 9151-9152]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             99TH ANNIVERSARY OF AZERBAIJAN'S REPUBLIC DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. PAUL COOK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 28, 2014

  Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the people of 
Azerbaijan and all Azerbaijani-Americans on the 96th anniversary of 
Azerbaijan's Republic Day. On this day, May 28, in 1918, Azerbaijan 
received its independence and formally created the Azerbaijan 
Democratic Republic.
  Over the past 23 years, Azerbaijan has grown to become a close and 
trusted ally of the United States in a geopolitically challenging 
region of the world. Situated along the Caspian Sea, with Iran on its 
southern border and Russia on its northern border, Azerbaijan was the 
first country in the region to open Caspian Sea energy resources to 
U.S. and European countries, playing a vital role in European energy 
security. This role is even more important today with tensions rising 
with Russia. A steadfast friend and supporter of Israel, Azerbaijan 
plays a vital role in Israeli energy security, providing almost 40 
percent of all crude oil supplies to our closest ally in the Middle 
East.
  Azerbaijan is a secular country, with a predominantly Muslim 
population, that guarantees religious freedom for all. Azerbaijan has 
been home for centuries to vibrant Jewish and Christian communities, 
acting as a role model for religious coexistence and freedom.
  Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Azerbaijan has been a partner in 
the United States' efforts towards freedom around the globe. Azerbaijan 
was the first Muslim country to send

[[Page 9152]]

troops to Iraq and has played an active role in NATO's efforts in 
Afghanistan, committing troops, resources and allowing use of their 
airspace and airports.
  Although the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was first established in 
1918, this initial independence was short-lived as the Soviet Union led 
a bitter and bloody takeover of the country in 1920. In 1991, as the 
Soviet Union was crumbling, Azerbaijan reestablished its independence 
and looked Westward to the United States for friendship and guidance.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the people of 
Azerbaijan on this day. I look forward to working with Azerbaijan as 
our nations continue to work together and build a lasting and fruitful 
bond.

                          ____________________