Appeals have been addressed by the Milli Majlis to the working groups on inter-parliamentary relations of foreign countries, international committees of parliaments, and international parliamentary organizations regarding the 34th anniversary of the Khojaly genocide.
Modern.az reports that the appeals note that the Azerbaijani people commemorate with deep sorrow the 34th anniversary of the Khojaly genocide, perpetrated by Armenia during its occupation of Azerbaijani territories this year, and emphasize that this brutal massacre committed against the peaceful residents of Khojaly town has gone down in history as one of the gravest and most horrific crimes against humanity in the 20th century.
It is stated that during this genocide, 613 civilians were brutally murdered based on their ethnic origin, including 63 children, 106 women, and 70 elderly individuals. 8 families were completely annihilated, 25 children lost both parents, and 130 children lost one parent. Unprecedented cruelties were committed against the victims. Bodies were desecrated, and some victims were burned alive.
The appeals state that the Khojaly genocide constitutes a gross violation of international humanitarian law, human rights, as well as the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
It is noted that the restoration of our territorial integrity and sovereignty as a result of the 44-day Patriotic War in 2020 and the local anti-terror measures in 2023 embodies the unity and solidarity of our state and people. Today, life has returned to all liberated territories, including Khojaly. Our people, living in peace and security on their native lands, will forever cherish the memory of the victims of the Khojaly genocide.
It is also brought to attention that Azerbaijan, under the leadership of Mr. President Ilham Aliyev, put forward the first initiative towards initiating and advancing the peace process with Armenia, and this process resulted in the initialing of the "Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and Interstate Relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia" in Washington D.C., USA, last August.
It is stated that the de facto peace environment established between the two countries today is further strengthened by a series of confidence-building measures, such as Azerbaijan's removal of all restrictions on cargo transportation to Armenia, ensuring the export of oil products, as well as expanding mutual dialogue and contacts between parliament members and civil society representatives.
The appeals emphasize that, considering the power of international cooperation, especially inter-parliamentary dialogue, efforts are being continued to raise awareness about the Khojaly genocide and its international recognition, as well as to bring the perpetrators to justice, stressing that commemorating this tragedy is not only about honoring the memory of the victims but also a call to prevent such crimes against humanity in the future.
