AZERBAIJANI INDEPENDENCE TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY

Early day motion 2204, tabled 10 October 2011 by Mark Field (Conservative). Signed by 26 members.

That this House congratulates Azerbaijan on the 20th anniversary of its independence from the Soviet Union on 18 October 1991; notes that in this time it has joined the Council of Europe and formed close links with the EU; recognises the vital assistance which it has provided to NATO in Iraq and Afghanistan; further recognises that it provides a valuable alternative source of oil and gas for the European market; applauds the fact that despite being a predominantly Muslim country it has thriving Christian and Jewish communities; further notes that it now has one of the fastest growing economies in the world and that the UK is the principal source of foreign direct investment; and wishes the country well on its path towards becoming a fully-fledged member of the community of European democratic states.

Signatures by party: Conservative 12, Labour 8, Liberal Democrat 3, DUP 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.