Event at UNEC: “Political and Legal Assessment of the Khojaly Genocide by Heydar Aliyev”
An event dedicated to the topic of “Political and Legal Assessment of the Khojaly Genocide by Heydar Aliyev” was held through the joint organization of the territorial party organization located at 6 Istiglaliyyat Street of the NAP Sabail District Organization and the Heydar Aliyev Center for the Study of Economic Heritage at UNEC.
The event commenced with a minute of silence observed in memory of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the victims of the genocide.
In his opening remarks, Associate Professor Shaig Asgarov, Chairman of the territorial party organization at “6 Istiglaliyyat” and Vice-Rector for Administrative and Organizational Affairs, underscored that the Khojaly genocide, as one of the gravest crimes against humanity, left profound scars not only on the Azerbaijani people but also on all of humanity. He highlighted that the political and legal assessment of the Khojaly genocide was provided only after National Leader Heydar Aliyev assumed power. Mr. Asgarov further noted that as a result of Heydar Aliyev’s diplomatic endeavors, the Khojaly genocide was recognized by numerous countries, thus playing a pivotal role in conveying Azerbaijan’s just struggle to the international community. He emphasized that the blood of the victims of the Khojaly tragedy did not remain unavenged, as Azerbaijan’s victorious army, under the resolute political will of Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, liberated Khojaly from occupation, with the Azerbaijani flag now proudly waving over its territory.
Subsequently, members of the Milli Majlis (Parliament) Aydin Mirzazade and Aydin Huseynov addressed the audience, elaborating on the historical background of the tragedy and its dire consequences. They noted that, as a result of the atrocities committed by Armenian armed forces, 613 residents of Khojaly were brutally killed, including 106 women, 63 children, and 70 elderly individuals. Additionally, 1,275 civilians were taken hostage, while the fate of 150 individuals remains unknown to this day. The speakers emphasized that the political and legal assessment of the atrocity, committed in 1992, was delivered only in 1994 under the leadership of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, who declared February 26 as the “Day of the Khojaly Genocide and National Mourning.” The parliamentarians underscored that the promotion of international recognition of this genocide continues to be a cornerstone of the successful foreign policy pursued by President Ilham Aliyev.
As part of the event, a video featuring archival footage of National Leader Heydar Aliyev’s speeches addressing the political and legal assessment of the Khojaly genocide was presented. The event concluded with poetic recitations dedicated to Khojaly, performed by members of the Creativity Center and students of the Faculty of Finance and Accounting, Ravan Aliyev and Rafiga Janiyeva.