[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 28, 2014)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E847] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] COMMEMORATING AZERBAIJAN'S REPUBLIC DAY ______ HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO of guam in the house of representatives Wednesday, May 28, 2014 Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Republic of Azerbaijan in celebration of Republic Day on May 28. Located at the crossroads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe, Azerbaijan was established in 1918 becoming the first democratic and secular republic in the Muslim world before being incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1920. The country regained its independence in 1991. Lasting only two years, from May 1918 to April 1920, Azerbaijan's first democratically elected government was committed to a strong and independent democratic state. The desire of independence did not die in Azerbaijan in 1920. On October 18, 1991, the Independent Republic of Azerbaijan was officially restored by a declaration of Azerbaijan's National Assembly, Milli Mejlis. Today Azerbaijan is a thriving democracy and a strong ally to the U.S. Azerbaijan enjoys one of the fastest growing economies in the world. With the inauguration of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline, oil from the Caspian Sea now has an alternative route to reach world markets, bypassing Russian controlled pipelines. Soon the parallel natural gas pipeline will further dilute Russia's monopoly on energy in that region. Azerbaijan is a partner in international and regional organizations including the U.N., Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and NATO's Partnership for Peace program. Again, it is my distinct pleasure to honor the Republic of Azerbaijan in celebration of the 96th anniversary of Republic Day, and to recognize the invaluable bilateral relationship between the United States and Azerbaijan. ____________________