Azernews.Az

Members of the Texas House of Representatives Rafael Anchia and Myra Crownover and the Assembly of the Friends of Azerbaijan (AFAZ) have co-organized an event dedicated to the Khojaly genocide in Texas.

The event, which was held as part of the plenary session of the Texas House of Representatives, brought together members of the Senate and House of Representatives of Texas and Azerbaijanis living in the U.S, AzerTag state news agency reported.

Addressing the event, Rafael Anchia noted that Azerbaijan was very important ally of the U.S.

He stressed Azerbaijan`s important support to the U.S. and the NATO in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Balkans, adding the country made huge contribution to the regional energy security.

Highlighting the Khojaly genocide, he underlined “such tragedies must not be forgot”, and drew the attention of participants to occupation of a part of Azerbaijani territories.

Citing the opinions of U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, Rafael Anchia noted Azerbaijan`s loyalty to tolerance and pluralism.

Representative Joe Deshotel shared his impressions from Azerbaijan trip, and called counterparts to visit the country, which he said was a friend of the U.S.

Roberto Alonzo, the most active representative of local democrats, stressed the tragedies like Khojaly should be always in memories, adding “we have gathered here to commemorate the victims of the terrible tragedy.”

He noted the U.S. has only 3 friends in the region – Azerbaijan, Israel and Turkey.

Mammad Talibov, Advisor of the Azerbaijani Embassy in the U.S. said “the Khojaly genocide is a wound in the heart of every Azerbaijani, and is most bloodiest and black page of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.”

He underlined during the occupation of Khojaly Armenian armed forces mercilessly killed hundreds of innocent people, including women, children and elders. He expressed gratitude to the Texas State for recognition of the Khojaly genocide.

He stressed the importance of increasing the efforts towards the settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict within international legal principles.

Talibov further said relations between Azerbaijan and the U.S. were strategic, and stressed Azerbaijan`s importance for the U.S. in a number of fields, including in combat against terrorism and energy security.

The diplomat thanked Representative Gene Wu, who several days ago circulated a resolution on the Khojaly genocide.


In 1992, the town of Khojaly came under intense fire from the towns of Khankendi and Askeran already occupied by the Armenian armed forces. 613 civilians mostly women and children were killed in the massacre, and a total of 1,000 people were disabled. Eight families were exterminated, 25 children lost both parents, and 130 children lost one parent.

Moreover, 1,275 innocent people were taken hostage, the fate of 150 of them remains unknown. Many civilians were shot at close range, scalped or burned alive.

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