khojaly genocide

From the appeal of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev to the Azerbaijani people on the occasion of March 31 – the Day of Genocide – Baku, March 29, 2000

…In February 1992, the Armenian armed forces supported by the troops of the former Soviet Union committed an unprecedented terrible massacre. Thousands of defenders and peaceful people of Khojaly were killed and taken captives, the town itself destroyed. The main goal of that horrible vandalism and genocide was to scare our people and break our will..

From the he opening and final speeches of Heydar Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, at the ceremony of awarding the parents and family members of the martyred National Heroes, persons killed and distinguished in battles, who participated at the defense of Khojaly with medals of “Gyzyl Ulduz” (Gold Star) and order of “Azerbaijan Bayragy” (Banner of Azerbaijan) – February 26, 1999

…The Armenians have repeatedly committed aggressions and genocides against the Azerbaijani people throughout the 20th century. The genocide of Khojaly is the most terrible one…

…On that terrible February night the Armenian armed forces, supported by 366th regiment of the Soviet Union, committed a terrible genocide against the population of Khojaly, one of the magnificent corner of Azerbaijan. The genocide committed with an unprecedented atrocity is one of the most terrible tragedies of the 20th century. Peaceful and unarmed Khojaly inhabitants experienced heavy blows that night. As a result of the genocide hundreds of women, men, the old, the youth and children of Khojaly were killed, wounded, handicapped, and taken captives…

From the speech of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev on the occasion of the International Children`s Day – June 1, 1998

…The Armenian aggression against Azerbaijan resulted in the military conflict, battles, victims and martyrs of our people. Unfortunately, many children become victims of this conflict and of the tragedy called the Black January. There were children among the victims in the genocide of Khojaly, too. It grieves us very much. It is the most painful spot of our society, of our life. As a result of the occupation of the Azerbaijani territories, a lot of people, including children, have become refugees and been living in tent camps for several years. They live, grow and get education in tents. Our life has such painful aspects…