H.R. No. 2144
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan and
individuals of Azerbaijani descent around the world are celebrating
the nation's 95th Republic Day on May 28, 2013; and
WHEREAS, The Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan was
established after the fall of imperial Russia in 1918; this
groundbreaking new state gave women the right to vote and was a
thriving independent Muslim democracy for two years; despite the
valiant efforts of many brave Azerbaijanis, the young nation was
overtaken during the Bolshevik Revolution in 1920 and remained
under Soviet control for seven decades until the collapse of the
U.S.S.R. in 1991; Azerbaijanis and the Republic of Azerbaijan will
celebrate 22 years of independence in October 2013; and
WHEREAS, A strong friend of the United States, Azerbaijan is
a stable democracy in a geopolitically important and often
turbulent region between Europe and Asia; with a predominantly
Muslim population, this secular democracy is also home to vibrant
Christian and Jewish communities; and
WHEREAS, Azerbaijan has assisted with American military
engagements in Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan; moreover, as a key
supporter of regional stability and an ally in the fight against
terrorism, Azerbaijan aided the United States following September
11th and has served as a crucial transit route for U.S. and NATO
operations in the region; in addition, the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan
pipeline, which has the capacity to transport one million barrels
of oil a day, contributes to the world's energy security; and
WHEREAS, For more than nine decades, this historic day has
provided hope and inspiration to all those who cherish freedom and
self-determination, and it is a pleasure to join with Azerbaijanis
around the world to celebrate their country's history as well as its
notable developments since regaining independence; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby commemorate Azerbaijan's 95th Republic Day on
May 28, 2013, and honor the important relationship between the
United States and the Republic of Azerbaijan on this significant
occasion.
Marquez
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 2144 was adopted by the House on May
17, 2013, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House