U.S. congressmen issued statements on the occasion of Azerbaijan’s Black January anniversary

Published: 2026-01-23 06:42

On January 20, U.S. congressmen Steve Cohen (D) and Robert Aderholt (R) issued statements on the occasion of the 36th anniversary of Black January, a violent crackdown on anti-Soviet sentiment in Baku on 19–20 January 1990.

"On the night of January 20, 1990, nearly 26,000 Soviet troops stormed the capital city of Baku, deploying tanks and armored vehicles against the civilian population... 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. I urge my 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," Rep. Cohen noted.

For his part, Rep. Aderholt stated: "This month, 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, an occupation that lasted for much of the 20th Century... 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."

Source: U.S. Congress website

By Azerbaijani-Israeli Alliance Global News