[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 954]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            ``BLACK JANUARY'' SOVIET INVASION OF AZERBAIJAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 21, 2015

  Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in remembrance of the 
over 130 innocent men, women, and children who were killed by the Red 
Army in the days following its invasion of Azerbaijan 23 years ago.
  On January 20, 1990, the Soviet Union, in a brutal attempt to end the 
growing independence movement in Azerbaijan, sent in 26,000 troops 
under the pretext of restoring public order, while actually aiming to 
forcefully end peaceful demonstrations for independence.
  The invasion and subsequent massacre, which resulted in over 130 
killed, 611 injured, and 841 arrests, is remembered as ``Black 
January'' in the Republic of Azerbaijan today and has left an indelible 
mark on that nation's memory.
  It was the overt oppression of innocent people by the Soviet 
government that further inspired the Azerbaijani people to regain its 
independence after 70 years of foreign rule.
  Less than two years later, on October 18, 1991, Azerbaijan gained its 
independence from the Soviet Union and was soon recognized by the 
international community.
  Today, the United States and Azerbaijan enjoy a close and important 
relationship, built on trust, understanding, and mutual support. It is 
important on this day that America remembers the trials and 
tribulations our friends in Azerbaijan have had to endure for the cause 
of freedom and continue to support their vital role as a beacon of 
democracy and prosperity in the Caspian Region.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to please join me in 
remembering the tragic events of Black January and honor those who gave 
their lives in order to give birth to their country.

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