February 27, 2009

Commemorative ceremony in Strasbourg on Khojaly genocide due to support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation

On February 26, the Permanent Representation of Azerbaijan to the Council of Europe due to support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation organized at the European Parliaments Association in Strasbourg a ceremony to commemorate the17th anniversary of the Khojaly genocide, one of the most horrible crimes of XX century. The event was attended by representatives of the Azerbaijani and Turkish Diaspora organizations, Azeri students, delegates of local and foreign structures, officials of the Turkish Consulate General and others.

 

Participants honored Khojaly victims to the minute of silence. The event`s participants were handed over Heydar Aliyev Foundation-prepared visual and video materials featuring Khojaly genocide, Armenians` savageries against the Azerbaijani people and Daghlig Garabagh conflict, informed of the crimes committed by Armenians against Azerbaijanis.

 

They also saw a photo stand and documentary on the massacre.

 

Azerbaijan`s Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe, Ambassador Arif Mammadov briefed the attendees on the acts of genocide perpetrated by Armenians against the Azerbaijanis, the real substance of the Khojaly genocide, one of the most terrible crimes in the history of mankind. He also spoke of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation`s efforts towards making the world community known about the Khojaly massacre.

 

Noting special role of Azeri diaspora in this field the Ambassador said solidarity should be shown henceforth in propaganda process. Mammadov underlined special significance of posting detailed information on Khojaly genocide on local and electronic mass media for assuring awareness of international public of the real face of aggressor Armenians, called on the world community to recognize the tragedy as “genocide.”

 

He expressed hope perpetrators of the Khojaly tragedy will soon be punished and justice restored.

 

Funeral repast in memory of the tragedy victims was given in the end.