H.R. No. 3257

	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 97th Republic Day on May 28, 2015; 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 24 years of independence in October 2015; 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, benefits the world's energy security; and
	WHEREAS, With a recognized presence in Houston, the
	Azerbaijani-American community contributes to regional diversity
	and strives to promote intercultural understanding, peace, and
	prosperity; 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 84th Texas
	Legislature hereby commemorate Azerbaijan's 97th Republic Day on
	May 28, 2015, and honor the important relationship between the
	United States and the Republic of Azerbaijan on this significant
	occasion.
	Vo
	______________________________
	Speaker of the House
	I certify that H.R. No. 3257 was adopted by the House on May
	30, 2015, by a non-record vote.
	______________________________
	Chief Clerk of the House