[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 28, 2014)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E850-E851] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] RECOGNIZING AZERBAIJAN REPUBLIC DAY ______ HON. VIRGINIA FOXX of north carolina in the house of representatives Wednesday, May 28, 2014 Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the 96th Azerbaijan Republic Day. Republic Day celebrates Azerbaijan's declaration of independence from the Russian Empire in 1918. That hard-won independence, however, was short-lived as the new Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan was soon occupied by the Soviet Union. After the Soviet collapse in 1990, Azerbaijan regained its independence. A valuable international ally, Azerbaijan was among the first nations offering unconditional support to the United States in the war against al Qaeda, providing a safe transit route to resupply our troops in Afghanistan. Azerbaijan leads the Central Asian area in regional economic cooperation and is a key player in European energy security matters. [[Page E851]] Mr. Speaker, I ask the House to join me in thanking the people of Azerbaijan for their friendship and in congratulating Azerbaijanis around the world on the anniversary of Republic Day. ____________________