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U.S. congressmen make statements on Azerbaijanâ€™s Republic Day

02 June 2014 09:29 (UTC +04:00)

With these last 4 statements, the number of statements made at the US Congress on the occasion of Azerbaijan’s Republic Day has reached 9, the Azerbaijani Embassy in the U.S. told APA. On 28 May 2014, congressmen Bill Shuster, Virginia Fox, Paul Cook, Michelle Grisham and Madeleine Bordallo delivered speeches regarding the 96th anniversary of the Republic Day. In addition, Congressman Steve Stockman proposed a related draft resolution at the House of Representatives on May 28.

In his statement, co-chairman of the working group on Azerbaijan in the Congress Steve Cohen has congratulated the people of Azerbaijan on the occasion of Republic Day. He mentioned that the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan was the world's first secular parliamentary democratic republic in a predominantly Muslim nation, talking about its historical achievements. Recalling that Azerbaijan restored its independence in 1991, Congressman Cohen said for the people of Azerbaijan, these last two decades of independence have not been without challenges. In this context, Cohen said 20 percent of Azerbaijan’s territory is still under occupation. The congressman specially emphasized Azerbaijan’s cooperation with the U.S. in the security field, as well as Azerbaijan’s contribution to the energy security of Europe and Israel.

In his statement on the Republic Day, main author of the draft resolution to provide support for the South Gas Corridor, Congressman Michael Turner drew attention toward Azerbaijan’s significant role in Europe’s energy security. He stressed the importance of the South Gas Corrdior, to deliver Azerbaijani gas to Europe, in terms of diversifying Europe’s gas supply.

In his statement, Congressman Jim Bridenstine stressed that Azerbaijan is a strategic ally of the US. He said the National Guard of Oklahoma State that he represents is closely cooperating with the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan as part of the State Partnership Program.

Congressman Henry Cuellar extended his congratulations on the 96th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s Republic Day and emphasized the importance of Azerbaijan-US strategic partnership. Congressman Cuellar said Azerbaijan is largely contributing to the energy security of Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Israel.