26 February 2009, 21:30
Today, Azerbaijan marks 17 years after Khodzhaly events
On February 26, Azerbaijan marks 17th anniversary of events in Khodzhaly, also known as "Khodzhaly tragedy". At night on February 26, 1992, the town of Khodzhaly located in Nagorno-Karabakh and inhabited by Azerbaijanis was seized by Armenian armed units with active participation of the then 366th motorized rifle regiment of the former Soviet Army.
Prior to the capture by Armenians, Khodzhaly for more than four months was completely encircled, its population experienced serious problems with health services and foodstuffs. The town had lots of sick and wounded persons, women, elderly people and children. The military operation in Khodzhaly was accompanied by massacre of civilians. 613 peaceful residents, including 63 children, 106 women and 70 old men were liquidated. 1275 peaceful residents were taken as hostages, the destiny of 155 of them remains unknown until this day.
On February 26, President Ilham Aliev, other leaders of the state, members of the government, deputies of the parliament, and representatives of the diplomatic corps and the public of the country will visit the Memorial to the victims of Khodzhaly tragedy, situated in the Khatain District of the capital to commemorate their memory.
Besides, at 5:00 p.m., the whole country will hold a minute of silence in memory of the victims of the tragedy.
Mourning actions on the occasion of the 17th anniversary of the Khodzhaly tragedy are also held abroad by Azerbaijan diplomatic missions and Diasporas.
On the threshold of the event, the forced migrants from Khodzhaly adopted appeals to the United Nations, Council of Europe and OSCE telling about the tragedy. The appeals are addressing the world community to exert pressure on Armenia and persuade it to liberate the occupied territories and create conditions allowing forced migrants to get back to their homeland.
Author: Faik Medzhid Source: CK correspondent
