SR0438 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0438 LRB097 14693 KXB 59659 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Azerbaijan is one of the prominent nations in the Muslim world that promotes and maintains a pro-American stance in foreign relations; and

WHEREAS, The Azerbaijani government and its people have shunned extremism and state-sponsored religion in favor of a secular state with equal rights for all citizens, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or religious affiliation; and

WHEREAS, Azerbaijan is a major supplier of energy resources to some of the United States' most vulnerable allies, particularly in Eastern Europe; and

WHEREAS, More than 100 U.S. businesses have an established presence in Azerbaijan, including prominent, successful corporations such as ExxonMobil, Ernst and Young, and Coca-Cola; and

WHEREAS, Azerbaijan has been a loyal supporter of the United States' "War on Terror", providing troops and logistical support for NATO operations in Afghanistan; and

WHEREAS, The appointment of Azerbaijan to a seat on the United Nations Security Council for the next 2 years places them alongside the United States as a leader in the international community; having a country like Azerbaijan, which shares American values, and with whom the United States maintains close and productive ties, on the United Nations Security Council significantly strengthens American and Azerbaijani interests throughout the world and further fosters greater trust and cooperation amongst American and Azerbaijani citizens; and

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois currently has limited relations with the nation of Azerbaijan; the expansion of existing relations and the creation of new relationships with the Azerbaijani government and its people are of great importance to both the people of Azerbaijan and the citizens of this State; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge the President of the United States and the United States Congress to continue to strengthen ties with the nation of Azerbaijan; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we affirm our belief that stronger relations should be created between Azerbaijan and the State of Illinois and urge the public officials and citizens of this State to take appropriate steps to foster warm relations with the nation of Azerbaijan; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the President of the United States, the Speaker and Minority Leader of the United States House of Representatives, the Majority and Minority Leaders of the United States Senate, and the Ambassador from the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United States of America.