February 25, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 34 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E200]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        REMEMBERING THE 27TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE KHOJALY MASSACRE

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 25, 2019

  Mr. HASTINGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 27th 
anniversary of the Khojaly Massacre, which took place on February 26, 
1992, and remember the 613 men, women, and children who were brutalized 
during this despicable act of violence.
  Khojaly, a town in the Republic of Azerbaijan, was home to an 
unprecedented act of brutality that desecrated the norms and principles 
of international law, human rights, and freedoms. Armenian forces, with 
the support of the 366th motorized rifle regiment of the Russian army, 
stormed the besieged town of Khojaly engaging in acts so violent that 
their effects are still felt in the community, indeed the entire 
country, to this day.
  Madam Speaker, although a ceasefire was achieved in 1994, more than 
20 percent of Azerbaijani territory including Nagorno Karabakh remain 
occupied and more than 1 million Azerbaijanis remain refugees and 
internally displaced persons. Over the past 20 years, Azerbaijan has 
spent over 6 billion dollars to ensure the social welfare of the 
internally displaced. Notably, while providing this crucial and costly 
support, Azerbaijan has still taken significant and impressive strides 
to improve economic development in their region.
  Indeed the Government of Azerbaijan has not only contributed to 
regional stability, but has continued to be a reliable ally for the 
United States in combating terrorism around the world. In the days 
after September 11, 2001, Azerbaijan quickly conveyed its solidarity 
with the American people and provided crucial assistance to our fight 
against terrorism by granting unconditional clearance to our military 
to use Azerbaijan's airspace as part of Operation Enduring Freedom in 
Afghanistan. This is in addition to the naval and ground routes the 
country provides for the international coalition's supplies that are to 
be delivered to forces in Afghanistan.
  Madam Speaker, marking the anniversary of a tragedy is always a 
solemn occasion. However, as a member of the Azerbaijan Caucus, I 
believe it is important to recognize and remember those whose lives 
were lost. I ask my colleagues to join me in offering condolences to 
the people of Azerbaijan.

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