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AZERBAIJAN SOCIETY OF AMERICA HOSTS DISCUSSION FOR MEMBERS OF U.S. CONGRESS
Today, Azerbaijan
March 5 2007
The Azerbaijan Society of America (ASA) hosted a lunchtime discussion
for members of the U.S. Congress and Congressional staff members on
Thursday, March 1 in Washington, DC.
"U.S. - Azerbaijan Relations: "From Engagement to Strategic
Partnership" event took place at the Cannon House Office Building,
Washington, DC, APA-Bureau reports.
Moderated by ASA's Washington, DC representative Bedir Memmedli,
the speakers were H.E. Yashar Aliyev, the newly appointed Ambassador
from the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United States, and Mr. Thomas
Goltz, Professor at the University of Montana, journalist, and author
of the book "Azerbaijan Diary."
Among the Congressional members and their staff who attended were
Congressman Bill Shuster of Pennsylvania and many other staff members
of both branches of the U.S. Congress. In February, 2007 Rep. Shuster
made a speech before the U.S. House of Representatives which officially
marked the 15th Anniversary of the Khojaly massacre.
After opening remarks by Mr. Memmedli, Ambassador Aliyev took the
podium and he stressed the importance of Azerbaijan to the United
States. "We are strategic ally of the United States, We were one of
the earliest supporters of America's war on terrorism and our soldiers
are serving in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kosova next to American soldiers,"
he said.
Ambassador Aliyev also gave background on the history and circumstances
surrounding the tragedy at Khojaly.
He was followed by Professor Goltz, who spoke of his own eye witness
accounts in the days following the massacre and addressed the unjust
U.S. legislation which was attributable in large part to Armenian
lobbying efforts in the United States.
A CNN report on Khojaly was viewed and then the floor was opened to
questions and discussion.
"We are pleased to be able to make this kind of event available to
Congressional members," said ASA president Tomris Azeri. "As we have
said in the past and continue to stress, it is absolutely imperative
that U.S. legislators become educated and aware of the history of
the massacre and the continuing conflict. This will directly impact
on possible future legislation and will also help strengthen the
already excellent relations between Azerbaijan and the United States,"
she continued.
"Ambassador Aliyev is an outstanding representative for the country
of Azerbaijan and Professor Goltz is one of the most knowledgeable
and respected experts on the subject. ASA was proud to be able to
present such informed speakers at this discussion," said Ms. Azeri.
URL: http://www.today.az/news/politics/37370.html
Today, Azerbaijan
March 5 2007
The Azerbaijan Society of America (ASA) hosted a lunchtime discussion
for members of the U.S. Congress and Congressional staff members on
Thursday, March 1 in Washington, DC.
"U.S. - Azerbaijan Relations: "From Engagement to Strategic
Partnership" event took place at the Cannon House Office Building,
Washington, DC, APA-Bureau reports.
Moderated by ASA's Washington, DC representative Bedir Memmedli,
the speakers were H.E. Yashar Aliyev, the newly appointed Ambassador
from the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United States, and Mr. Thomas
Goltz, Professor at the University of Montana, journalist, and author
of the book "Azerbaijan Diary."
Among the Congressional members and their staff who attended were
Congressman Bill Shuster of Pennsylvania and many other staff members
of both branches of the U.S. Congress. In February, 2007 Rep. Shuster
made a speech before the U.S. House of Representatives which officially
marked the 15th Anniversary of the Khojaly massacre.
After opening remarks by Mr. Memmedli, Ambassador Aliyev took the
podium and he stressed the importance of Azerbaijan to the United
States. "We are strategic ally of the United States, We were one of
the earliest supporters of America's war on terrorism and our soldiers
are serving in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kosova next to American soldiers,"
he said.
Ambassador Aliyev also gave background on the history and circumstances
surrounding the tragedy at Khojaly.
He was followed by Professor Goltz, who spoke of his own eye witness
accounts in the days following the massacre and addressed the unjust
U.S. legislation which was attributable in large part to Armenian
lobbying efforts in the United States.
A CNN report on Khojaly was viewed and then the floor was opened to
questions and discussion.
"We are pleased to be able to make this kind of event available to
Congressional members," said ASA president Tomris Azeri. "As we have
said in the past and continue to stress, it is absolutely imperative
that U.S. legislators become educated and aware of the history of
the massacre and the continuing conflict. This will directly impact
on possible future legislation and will also help strengthen the
already excellent relations between Azerbaijan and the United States,"
she continued.
"Ambassador Aliyev is an outstanding representative for the country
of Azerbaijan and Professor Goltz is one of the most knowledgeable
and respected experts on the subject. ASA was proud to be able to
present such informed speakers at this discussion," said Ms. Azeri.
URL: http://www.today.az/news/politics/37370.html