[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8382]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 AZERBAIJAN REPUBLIC DAY COMMEMORATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RYAN K. ZINKE

                               of montana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 2, 2015

  Mr. ZINKE. Mr. Speaker, today I celebrate with Azerbaijanis around 
the world in the commemoration of Republic Day. On May 28, 1918, the 
people of Azerbaijan declared independence from Russia, becoming the 
first Muslim democratic secular country in the region. Although the 
country temporarily lost its independence due to Soviet aggression, it 
regained full independence in 1990.
  Since regaining independence, Azerbaijan has been one of America's 
closest allies in the Middle East. Throughout Operation Enduring 
Freedom, Azerbaijan worked closely with our armed forces against 
radical Islamic terrorists in Afghanistan. Not only did Azerbaijani 
forces fight along-side our forces, but they also provided crucial 
refueling, landing, and airspace rights for our armed forces. Over a 
third of all non-lethal equipment for our troops in Afghanistan went 
through Azerbaijan. Our military cooperation with Azerbaijan was 
strengthened in 2011, and remains vital today.
  Today we see the Middle East under attack. Terrorist groups with no 
regard for human life have torn the region apart. Now, more than ever, 
we see the tremendous importance for a close ally. We are extremely 
fortunate to have that ally in Azerbaijan.
  I ask that my colleagues to join me today in celebrating Azerbaijan's 
independence and thanking them for their strong partnership.

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