Azerbaijan Society of America hosts discussion for members of U.S. Congress

"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.