Azernews.Az

By Rashid Shirinov

The times of the prosperity of fascism in the past century are considered one of the worst episodes in human history. The Nazi ideology caused irreparable harm to many people in different countries, as well as to the economies of various states.

Baku hosted an international conference titled “Consolidation and unity of people as main factor in victory over fascism and preservation of peace” on October 12.

The conference, organized in preparation for the 75th anniversary of the victory over fascism in the World War II, was attended by representatives of 19 countries, officials, MPs, representatives of Azerbaijani civil society organizations, and others.

“It has been over 70 years since the end of World War II. But, unfortunately, today we witness how modern forgers are deliberately and intentionally trying to distort the history of that terrible war, to denigrate the deeds of our grandfathers and fathers, to rehabilitate traitors and accomplices of the enemy,” Arastun Mehdiyev, Deputy head of Public and Political Affairs Department at Azerbaijan’s Presidential Administration, said at the conference.

He noted that two years ago, at the 70th session of the UN General Assembly, a resolution was adopted on Russia’s initiative on combating glorification of Nazism and neo-Nazism, and the resolution was supported by 126 states.

“It is puzzling that Armenia was among these countries, a country on the territory of which the Nazi ideology is spread at the state level. There is a process of glorification of war criminals in Armenia. There is a monument to the accomplice of the Nazi regime Garegin Nzhdeh, who killed thousands of innocent people. By the way, the President of this country attended the opening ceremony. In short, the creator of the “Armenian Legion” in the SS became a national hero,” Mehdiyev said.

He added that these actions were condemned by many countries and veterans.

“Today Armenia is also promoting the Nazi ideology. For over twenty-five years, Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent regions of Azerbaijan are under Armenian occupation. As a result of ethnic cleansing in Armenia and in the occupied territories, more than one million Azerbaijanis have become refugees and internally displaced persons,” Mehdiyev noted.

He added that the idea of national superiority and occupational policy of Armenia not only threaten security of the region, but also complicate the fight against extremism and nationalism in the world.

“Only by uniting, strengthening outreach and advocacy, it is possible to expose carriers of fascist ideology and achieve positive change. We must have a clear and strong position in this matter,” Mehdiyev said.

He further recalled that the Azerbaijani people have made a huge contribution to the victory over fascism.

“During the war, Baku fully provided the front with fuel. Up to 600,000 of our citizens took an active part in the fight against fascism, and nearly half of them died. Then the population of Azerbaijan was 3.4 million people, and virtually every fifth citizen was fighting,” he said.

Mehdiyev also emphasized that Azerbaijan pays great attention and cares for World War II veterans and their families, which is one of the priority areas.

“The state provides them with various benefits. Also, financial assistance is rendered to them from the head of state,” he said, adding that Azerbaijan annually celebrates the Victory Day.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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