The co-chairs of the Working Group on Azerbaijan in the US Congress - Steve Cohen, a member of the Democratic Party representing the state of Tennessee in the House of Representatives, and Robert Aderholt, a member of the Republican Party representing the state of Alabama, made statements on January 20 - the 35th anniversary of the National Day of Mourning.

Axar.az informs that speaking about the January 20 tragedy, S. Cohen said that he remembered the events of Black January, one of the most tragic events in the history of Azerbaijan.

The member of Congress said that on the night of January 20, thousands of Soviet soldiers attacked the capital Baku with tanks and armored vehicles, and opened fire on innocent people, including the elderly, women, and peaceful protesters, as a result of which 147 people were killed, about 800 people were injured, hundreds of protesters were arrested, and a said how many people were missing.

The statement also referred to the "Black January in Azerbaijan" report of "Human Rights Watch", stating that during the attack on Baku, there were the most brutal violations of human rights, numerous attacks on medical workers, ambulances, and even hospitals. The congressman expressed his condolences to the families of the victims.

In addition, the statement noted that the United States was one of the first countries to recognize Azerbaijan's independence, and diplomatic relations were established on February 28, 1992. At the same time, it was emphasized that the USA and Azerbaijan are still strategic allies and share common interests in the world.

S. Cohen, as the co-chairman of the Working Group, called on his colleagues to recognize the citizens of Azerbaijan who sacrificed their lives on the path of independence and to remain loyal to the democratic values ​​for which many Azerbaijanis sacrificed their lives.

Speaking about the January 20 tragedy, Congress member R. Aderholt said in his statement that the 35th anniversary of Black January was commemorated in the Republic of Azerbaijan, which is a friend and partner. The member of Congress noted that that era symbolized the beginning of the end of the Soviet rule in Azerbaijan, the occupation that continued for most of the 20th century, it was a time of oppression and terror, but the people of Azerbaijan, who were not afraid of the evil of communism, yearned for freedom. He emphasized that on January 19, 1990, more than 100 Azerbaijani protesters were killed, hundreds of people were injured, and violence took place in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, by the USSR troops.

In a statement, R. Aderholt asked his colleagues to join him in commemorating the events of Black January in Azerbaijan and honoring the memory of those who lost their lives in the struggle for freedom. He also emphasized that the United States continues to support the Azerbaijani people and their right to live freely.