02/02/16 - Statement submitted for the Congressional Record on Black January and Khojaly - Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues here in the House of Representatives to join me as I rise to honor those who were lost in Khojaly, Azerbaijan on February 25, 1992. On that day, 24 years ago, over 600 people were brutally murdered. They were mostly elderly men, women, and children - innocent victims that should have never been part of such a heartbreaking tragedy.

I would also like to recognize the night of January 19, 1990, as "Black January." This event has been memorialized as "Black January" because of the invasion by 26,000 Soviet troops into the capital city Baku and surrounding areas. By the end of the following day, more than 130 people had died and over 600 people were missing.

It is necessary to take the time every year to remember those who lost their lives during these two horrific events in Azerbaijan. Their unwilling sacrifice continues to serve as a reminder to hold fast to the principles of democracy.

Mr. Speaker, Azerbaijan is a strong partner of the United States in a strategically crucial and complex region of the world. I ask my colleagues to join me and our Azerbaijani friends in commemorating the tragedy that occurred in the town of Khojaly as well as Black January.

02/24/15 - Statement submitted for the Congressional Record on Black January - Mr. Speaker, I rise today for very important reasons. First, I would like to commemorate the tragedy that took place in Khojaly, Azerbaijan, where on February 25, 1992, 23 years ago, 444 mostly elderly men, 106 women and 63 children were brutally killed. Please join me in recognizing the horrific atrocities that took place during the month of February in Khojaly, Azerbaijan.

Secondly, I would like to recognize the night of January 19, 1990, as ``Black January.'' On this day, 26,000 Soviet troops invaded the capital city of Baku and surrounding areas. By the end of the following day, more than 130 people had died, 611 were injured, 841 were arrested and 5 were missing. This event is memorialized as ``Black January,'' and, for the citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan this event left an indelible mark on their minds and hearts.

Although Azerbaijan thrives today, the people of Azerbaijan recognize those who lost their lives in Black January, 1990, and honor their sacrifice through their commitment to the ideals of democracy.

Mr. Speaker, Azerbaijan is a strong ally of the United States in a strategically important and complex region of the world. I ask my colleagues to join me and our Azerbaijani friends in commemorating the tragedy that occurred in the town of Khojaly as well as Black January.

04/08/2016 - Lobbyists from the Podesta Group e-mailed Laverne Alexander from the office of Donald Payne regarding US-Azerbaijan relations

04/07/2016 - Lobbyists from the Podesta Group e-mailed Laverne Alexander from the office of Donald Payne regarding US-Azerbaijan relations

04/05/2016 - Lobbyists from the Podesta Group e-mailed ] Laverne Alexander from the office of Donald Payne regarding US-Azerbaijan relations

02/18/2016 - Lobbyists from the Greenberg Traurig e-mailed LaVerne Alexander from the office of Donald Payne Jr. regarding US-Turkish relations

02/03/2016 - Lobbyists from the Podesta Group e-mailed LaVerne Alexander from the office of Donald Payne regarding US-Azerbaijan relations

01/21/2016 - Lobbyists from the Podesta Group e-mailed La Verne Alexander from the office of Donald Payne regarding US-Azerbaijan relations

01/15/2016 - Lobbyists from the Greenberg Traurig contacted LaVerne Alexander from the office of Donald Payne Jr. regarding US-Turkish relations