01_NIDERLAND - XOCALI SOYQIRIMI - ABIDA .JPG
February 24, 2008

First monument in Europe for Khojaly tragedy erected in Hague, Holland

Ceremony of opening of the first monument dedicated to the martyrs of Khojaly genocide, the meeting and exhibition of the diaspora organizations was held February 24 in Hague on the initiative of Holland-Azerbaijan Turk Circle and due to support of the Embassy of Azerbaijan to the Netherlands, State Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan for Work with Azerbaijanis Living in Foreign Countries and Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

 

Ambassador of Azerbaijan to the Netherlands Fuad Isgandarov, delegation of State Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan for Work with Azerbaijanis Living in Foreign Countries, actives of all Azeri and Turkish diaspora organizations in Holland, our countrymen from other European countries, members of diplomatic corps accredited to Hague, reps of the local public and foreign visitors were present in the ceremony.

 

After brief speech by Ilhan Ashkyn, Chairman of Holland-Azerbaijan Turk Circle, Ambassador Fuad Isgandarov and heads of Azeri and Turkish diasporas cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening of the monument. Then prayer was said for the martyrs of the tragedy. The speech made in the event on behalf of the Dutch reflected the unambiguous support of the local public to the opening of the monument.

 

After the ceremony, the meeting of the diaspora organizations was held. Participants were familiarized here with samples of the art exhibition sent by Heydar Aliyev Foundation and materials published. 

 

Addressing the event Ambassador Fuad Isgandarov talked of works done by Azerbaijani Government with local diaspora organizations towards setting and opening of the monument, informed of the policy carried out by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to put an end to the Armenian aggression, announced the tasks of the leadership of Azerbaijan on strengthening of cooperation of Azeri and Turkish diasporas. The Ambassador underlined the special instructions of the Azeri President on realization of the active attack strategy in diplomatic and information action of Azerbaijan instead of tactics of defense from Armenian diversions. He emphasized erection of such a monument in the center of Europe, in Hague, an international law capital of the world, is the result of this policy. Spokesman of State Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan for Work with Azerbaijanis Living in Foreign Countries Javanshir Veliyev, Chairman of World Azerbaijanis Congress Gulamrza Sadi Tebrizi, reps of Azeri and Turkish diaspora organizations acting in Holland and other countries of Europe addressed the event. 

 

Foreign and local mass media widely covered the event.


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