The United States congressmen, Democrat Edolphus Towns of New York and Republican Phil English of Pennsylvania delivering speeches in the House of Representatives congratulated the Azerbaijani people on the 90th anniversary of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic in 1918, the first democratic republic in the Muslim world.

The following is transcription of speeches:

Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the Republic of Azerbaijan, a fast growing young democracy which secured its independence in 1991 after the dissolution of the former Soviet Union. There are few countries in the world which gain a second opportunity for independence, like Azerbaijan. This May 28 the Republic of Azerbaijan celebrates the 90th anniversary of Republic Day, the day the nation and people first gained their independence.

It was May 28, 1918 when Azerbaijan declared independence from the Russian Empire. The February 1917 fall of the tsarist monarchy in Russia had created favorable conditions for the development of national movements within its border lands. By establishing its independence, Azerbaijan, then the Democratic Azerbaijan Republic, became the first ever secular democratic republic in the world with a predominantly Muslim population. Although independence lasted only 2 years before Soviet forces invaded in 1920, the period was distinguished by nation building, the arts, education, and economic growth.

The Republic of Azerbaijan`s re-independence in 1991 did not come easily. As independence fervor was sweeping through the former Soviet Republics in 1990, peaceful demonstrations were taking place throughout Azerbaijan. Tragically, on January 1990, then President Mikhail Gorbachev sent troops to Baku. Civilians were no match for the onslaught of tanks and fully armored military personnel. The excessive force resulted in more than one hundred and thirty civilian lives.

The Azerbaijani people eventually prevailed when the Soviet Union collapsed. On August 30, 1991, Azerbaijan`s Parliament adopted the Declaration on the Restoration of the State of Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and on October 18, 1991, the Constitution was approved.

Located in a highly political, dynamic and sensitive region between Russia and Iran, Azerbaijan is a confident member of the Council of Europe, United Nations, Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe, and participates in NATO`s Partnership for Peace program.

Azerbaijan is a strategic partner to the United States, and cooperates with the U.S., both bilaterally and multilaterally, (through the GUAM framework (Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and Moldova) to prevent illegal trafficking and to secure borders Azerbaijani troops, like U.S. troops, are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan on behalf of their country and in support of the global effort against terrorism.

The United States recognized the sovereignty of Azerbaijan in 1918 and again in 1991. I applaud their leadership as a democratic republic and strategic partner in the region and worldwide. Congratulations to all Azerbaijani citizens, and Azerbaijanis around the world, on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of Republic Day.

Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise as a member of the House Azerbaijan Caucus, to honor Azerbaijanis around the world, as they prepare to celebrate Republic Day on May 28. Republic Day commemorates Azerbaijan`s declaration of its independence from the Russian Empire in 1918, becoming the first democratic secular republic in the Eastern hemisphere. Despite its short existence, 1918-1920, the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan had achieved considerable success in state building and creation of educational foundations for future generations. The Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan granted suffrage to women shortly after its creation, ahead of most Western democracies.

Despite all of its successes, the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan was not in a position to withstand the occupational forces of the then newly formed Soviet Russia. Consequently, Azerbaijan had temporarily lost its independence in 1920 and later was included into the U.S.S.R.

In 1990, Azerbaijan regained its independence from the U.S.S.R., ending 70 years of Soviet rule. Meantime, Azerbaijanis will never forget the tragic events of January 1990, forever known to all Azerbaijanis as Black January, as the Soviet army crushed peaceful demonstrations in the streets of the capital Baku. On August 30, 1991, Azerbaijan`s Parliament adopted the Declaration on the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and on October 18, 1991, the independence was approved by the Constitution.

Since its independence, the Republic of Azerbaijan has been an invaluable ally and is among the first nations, who offered unconditional support to the United States in the War Against Terror, providing its airspace and the use of its airports for Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Today, Azerbaijani troops continue to serve with distinction in Afghanistan and in Iraq.

Azerbaijan is also a founding member of GUAM--Organization for Democracy and Economic Development, which includes Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Moldova. Azerbaijan is a leading nation in regional economic cooperation through development of various international projects. Azerbaijan is also one of the key players in European energy security matters.

Madam Speaker and dear colleagues, please join me in thanking the people of Azerbaijan for their sincere friendship towards our country, and congratulate Azerbaijanis around the world on the 90th anniversary of Republic Day.

I also would like to thank and congratulate my Azerbaijani-American constituents, lead by Naimi and Naila Amiraliyev, for their tireless efforts in developing and strengthening the friendship and understanding between our nations.