In Remembrance of the Khojaly Massacre

Floor Speech

Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, as the United States and Azerbaijan continue to develop closer relations--relations which have proven immensely valuable to both nations--it is important to take the time to remember the Khojaly Massacre which took place in Azerbaijan 21 years ago, on February 25-26, 1992.

In a period of less than 12 hours, 1,275 Azerbaijanis were tortured and 613 were murdered, including 106 women and 63 children, in the town of Khojaly.

Newsweek described the victims of Khojaly as ``ordinary Azerbaijani men, women, and children,'' separate from the on-going military conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Despite the shocking nature of these events, remembrance of the Khojaly Massacre has become nearly forgotten outside Azerbaijan's borders. This is unconscionable for our country, which has always fought to safeguard the human rights of all people.

In the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Azerbaijan shared in our grief and pledged to stand by the United States as we brought the perpetrators to justice.

True to their word, Azerbaijan has supported allied efforts against international terrorism by allowing unrestricted access to their territory for aircraft, troops, and supplies, as well as committing their own troops to fight alongside our own.

Just as Azerbaijan has supported our nation in its time of need, so too must we not let the massacre of the 613 Azerbaijani men, women, and children drift into the dim memory of history.

I urge my colleagues to commemorate this terrible tragedy and continue our nation's support for the people of Azerbaijan, our partners in peace and prosperity for the Caspian Region.

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