US Congressmen Steve Cohen, representing Tennessee in the House of Representatives, and Robert B. Aderholt, representing Alabama, have issued statements on the 36th anniversary of the 20 January tragedy.

In his statement, Congressman Steve Cohen said: “On the night of January 20, 1990, nearly 26,000 Soviet troops stormed the Azerbaijani capital city of Baku, deploying tanks and armored vehicles against the civilian population. Soviet forces crushed innocent Azerbaijanis under heavy machinery and fired without restraint at peaceful demonstrators, including women and children. These brutal actions resulted in the deaths of 147 individuals, injuries to approximately 800 others, the arrest of 841 people, and the disappearance of five.”

“The United States was one of the first countries to recognize independence and fully established diplomatic relations on February 28, 1992. Today, the United States and Azerbaijan are still strategic allies and share common interests in the region and globally,” the US Congressman noted.

As the Co-Chairman of the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus, Steve Cohen urged his colleagues to recognize the sacrifices of the Azerbaijani people in their steps towards independence and encourage a recommitment to the democratic values for which many Azerbaijanis sacrificed their lives.

In his statement, Congressman Robert Aderholt said: “Our friend and partner, the Republic of Azerbaijan marks the 36th anniversary of Black January. This period symbolizes the beginning of the end of Soviet rule over Azerbaijan.

Now, 36 years on from this tragedy, Azerbaijan can celebrate this as the first year of sustained peace since gaining its independence. With the assistance of the American President, the end of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict promises to be a turning point for the region. I ask my colleagues to join me in commemorating the events of Black January in Azerbaijan and honoring those who lost their lives in pursuit of freedom. Further, please join me in thanking President Donald J. Trump for his work to secure peace and prosperity with our friend and partner. The United States continues to stand with the people of Azerbaijan and their right to live free.”

The text of both statements has been published on the website of the U.S. Congress.

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