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“AZERBAIJAN'S STATE INDEPENDENCE DAY” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E2160-E2161 on Oct. 17, 2007.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
AZERBAIJAN'S STATE INDEPENDENCE DAY
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HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON
of texas
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, one of our key democratic allies--the Republic of Azerbaijan--is set to celebrate the 16th Anniversary of its re-independence on October 18. In the current global political climate, Azerbaijan is unique among democracies as the world's first Muslim democratic republic! A status I both commend and support.
Azerbaijan's first glimpse as a democratic republic came in 1918 shortly after the fall of the Russian Empire. Unfortunately, the Red Anny invaded on April 28, 1920 and thereby preempting further democratization at that time.
Azerbaijan's second opportunity for freedom and self-determination came at a heavy price following the 1990 invasion of Baku by Soviet troops, resulting in the death of more than a hundred thirty civilians. Moscow rule grew weaker in Azerbaijan and by 1991 popular pressure led the country to declare its independence.
Given past Soviet rule and difficult geopolitical environment between Russia and Iran, Azerbaijan's determination to look westward for its political and economic allies should be applauded.
Azerbaijan cooperates with the United States within international and regional institutions including UN, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and NATO's Partnership for Peace program. Azerbaijan also works together with the United States within the framework of the Organization for Democracy and Development--GUAM which is comprised of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. The group was created as a political, economic and strategic alliance aimed at overcoming common risks and threats and strengthening the independence and sovereignty of its member states.
The Republic of Azerbaijan is a standout nation among the South Caucasus countries, with a population of 8 million people and an ambitious economic policy. During the last decade Azerbaijan has been implementing structural reforms and adopting numerous laws and legislative changes, paving the way toward further integration within the global economy. The nation has been moving toward a more diversified economy to achieve sustainable growth and to meet the social and development needs of its population. As reported by the International Monetary Fund, IMF, Azerbaijan's macroeconomic performance ``has been impressive with strong growth, low inflation, and a stable exchange rate.'' Real GDP grew by an annual average of over 10 percent during the last six years and build up to 34.4 percent in the first eight months of 2006, driven by investments in the energy sector, followed by growth in the construction and transportation sectors, and agriculture.
Since signing the ``Contract of the Century'' in 1994 Azerbaijan has developed its energy sources within the Caspian region to diversify western energy supplies. On July 13, 2006 the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan main oil export pipeline was inaugurated. The Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum natural gas pipeline is expected to be completed this fall. Azerbaijan also actively promotes the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railroad project which has been recognized as an important part of East-West and North-South transport corridor.
Diversification of the economy and ensuring the development of non-
oil sectors is a priority for the government. This policy includes implementation of projects and programs that create favorable conditions for development of private entrepreneurship, attracting investment in non-oil sector, creating new jobs, evaluation of potential industries and markets, and development of infrastructure in the regions.
The last 16 years of independence has not been without challenges. In 1993 the UN Security Council adopted four resolutions demanding complete, unconditional, and immediate withdrawal of Armenian forces from the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. NATO, OSCE, EU, and other international organizations also repeatedly called for the restoration of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity.
In January 2005 the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted a resolution clearly stating that ``considerable parts of the territory of Azerbaijan are still occupied by Armenian forces and separatist forces are still in control of the Nagorno-Karabakh region'' and urged the withdrawal of Armenian military forces from all Azerbaijani territories.
We, the United States, recognize Nagorno-Karabakh as a part of Azerbaijan. A State Department's 2005 Fact Sheet states: ``The United States does not recognize Nagorno-Karabakh as an independent country, and its leadership is not recognized internationally or by the United States. The United States supports the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and holds that the future status of Nagorno-Karabakh is a matter of negotiation between the parties.''
Let us today commend the Republic of Azerbaijan on their forthcoming 16th Anniversary celebrations. And, let us today commit ourselves to their continued development as a global partner against the war on terrorism, toward economic growth, diversification of energy resources, and strengthening stability and security in the region.
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