Bill Text: IN SR0039 | 2013 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Recognizing the importance of partnership between US and Republic of Azerbaijan.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 3-1)
Status: (Passed) 2013-04-01 - Second reading: adopted voice vote [SR0039 Detail]
Download: Indiana-2013-SR0039-Introduced.html
A SENATE RESOLUTION recognizing the importance of a strategic partnership between the United States of America and the Republic of Azerbaijan.
_______________________, read first time and referred to Committee on
MADAM PRESIDENT:
I offer the following resolution and move its adoption:
A SENATE RESOLUTION recognizing the importance of a
strategic partnership between the United States of America and the
Republic of Azerbaijan.
Whereas, The Republic of Azerbaijan restored its independence in
October 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union, proclaiming itself
the heir to the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, which was established
in 1918 and was the first secular democratic republic in the Turkic and
Muslim world and among the first nation-states granting the right to
vote to women;
Whereas, The United States of America was one of the first countries
to recognize the independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan in 1991
and to establish full-fledged diplomatic relations with it in 1992;
Whereas, Over the last 20 years, the Republic of Azerbaijan has
consolidated its sovereignty and independence and has become one of
the fastest developing countries in the region and beyond;
Whereas, The election of the Republic of Azerbaijan to a
nonpermanent seat on the United Nations security council in October
2011 is a testament to the growing role and increased capabilities of
the Republic of Azerbaijan in maintaining peace and security in the
wider Middle East;
Whereas, The United States of America, along with the United
Nations, recognizes and supports the Republic of Azerbaijan's
sovereignty and territorial integrity;
Whereas, The Republic of Azerbaijan has an area of 33,440 square
miles, which also includes the Karabakh and Nakhchivan regions;
Whereas, The United States of America and the Republic of Azerbaijan have developed a strong strategic partnership based on shared values and interests and a shared vision;
Whereas, The Republic of Azerbaijan is a staunch ally and strategic
partner of the United States of America in the critically important
Caspian region;
Whereas, The Republic of Azerbaijan was one of the first countries
to render unconditional assistance to the United States after the terror
attacks of September 11, 2001, opening its airspace and airports for
use by coalition troops in Afghanistan and sending officers and
soldiers to serve shoulder-to-shoulder with United States troops;
Whereas, Today about 40% of all supplies for troops of the United
States of America and its allies in Afghanistan are delivered via the
Republic of Azerbaijan;
Whereas, The United States of America and the Republic of
Azerbaijan continue their successful cooperation in counterterrorism
efforts and the nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction, which
is of particular importance given that the Republic of Azerbaijan is an
ally nation located between Iran and Russia;
Whereas, The Republic of Azerbaijan possesses vast oil and gas
resources and contributes to the energy security of the United States
of America and the European nations, and it is a critical element of the
southern gas corridor, which will further enhance diversification of
energy supplies used by European allies of the Republic of Azerbaijan
and the United States of America;
Whereas, Azerbaijan has a long-standing tradition of peaceful
coexistence with various ethnic and religious communities and is one
of the few secular countries in the Middle East with a predominately
Muslim population that maintains close, friendly ties with Israel; and
Whereas, It is critical for the United States of America to further
strengthen the relations with its allies, such as the Republic of
Azerbaijan, to advance common interests currently and in the future:
Therefore,
of the General Assembly of the State of Indiana:
SECTION 1. That the Indiana Senate recognizes the importance of the strategic partnership and friendship between the United States of America and the Republic of Azerbaijan and believes that the
partnership and friendship should be recognized and further enhanced
through mutual efforts over the years to come.
SECTION 2. That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this
resolution to the office of the governor and the members of the Indiana
Congressional delegation.
