Baku: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan has issued a statement on the 33rd anniversary of the Khojaly genocide, APA reports. The statement highlights the tragic events that occurred on the night of February 25-26, 1992, when Armenian forces committed atrocities against Azerbaijani civilians in Khojaly, resulting in the deaths of 613 people, including women, children, and the elderly.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the statement emphasizes the pattern of violence and aggression demonstrated by Armenia during this period, particularly in various Azerbaijani-populated villages. The Siege of Khojaly and subsequent atrocities were described as planned and intentional acts of genocide, executed with the assistance of the 366th Motorized Rifle Regiment of the former USSR. The statement also notes the severe impact on families, with some being completely wiped out and many children left orphaned.

The Ministry’s statement underscores that the nature of the Khojaly genocide violated international humanitarian and human rights laws, as well as several international conventions. It also references confessions from individuals involved in the genocide, including Monte Melkonian and Serzh Sargsyan, which further confirm the deliberate nature of the crimes committed.

The statement criticizes the international community’s lack of response to the Khojaly genocide and notes that Armenia continued its war crimes against Azerbaijanis in subsequent years. The recent restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty is portrayed as a form of historical justice, with life now returning to Khojaly.

The Ministry concludes by honoring the memory of the Khojaly genocide victims and affirming the ongoing commitment to keeping their memories alive.