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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan and |
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individuals of Azerbaijani descent around the world are celebrating |
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the nation's 97th Republic Day on May 28, 2015; and |
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WHEREAS, The Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan was |
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established after the fall of imperial Russia in 1918; this |
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groundbreaking new state gave women the right to vote and was a |
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thriving independent Muslim democracy for two years; despite the |
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valiant efforts of many brave Azerbaijanis, the young nation was |
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overtaken during the Bolshevik Revolution in 1920 and remained |
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under Soviet control for seven decades until the collapse of the |
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U.S.S.R. in 1991; Azerbaijanis and the Republic of Azerbaijan will |
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celebrate 24 years of independence in October 2015; and |
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WHEREAS, A strong friend of the United States, Azerbaijan is |
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a stable democracy in a geopolitically important and often |
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turbulent region between Europe and Asia; with a predominantly |
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Muslim population, this secular democracy is also home to vibrant |
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Christian and Jewish communities; and |
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WHEREAS, Azerbaijan has assisted with American military |
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engagements in Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan; moreover, as a key |
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supporter of regional stability and an ally in the fight against |
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terrorism, Azerbaijan aided the United States following September |
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11th and has served as a crucial transit route for U.S. and NATO |
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operations in the region; in addition, the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan |
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pipeline, which has the capacity to transport one million barrels |
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of oil a day, benefits the world's energy security; and |
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WHEREAS, With a recognized presence in Houston, the |
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Azerbaijani-American community contributes to regional diversity |
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and strives to promote intercultural understanding, peace, and |
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prosperity; and |
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WHEREAS, For more than nine decades, this historic day has |
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provided hope and inspiration to all those who cherish freedom and |
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self-determination, and it is a pleasure to join with Azerbaijanis |
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around the world to celebrate their country's history as well as its |
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notable developments since regaining independence; now, therefore, |
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be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas |
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Legislature hereby commemorate Azerbaijan's 97th Republic Day on |
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May 28, 2015, and honor the important relationship between the |
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United States and the Republic of Azerbaijan on this significant |
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occasion. |