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Georgia Governor condemns Khojaly massacre

25 February 2015 12:13 (UTC+04:00)
Georgia Governor condemns Khojaly massacre

By Sara Rajabova

The governor of the U.S. State of Georgia has condemned the Khojaly massacre, which was committed by Armenia against Azerbaijani civilians.

Nathan Deal signed a statement condemning the Khojaly massacre, which was committed by Armenian armed forces in early 1990s, the Consulate General of Azerbaijan in Los Angeles reported.

The statement was received by the Consulate General of Azerbaijan in Los Angeles.

Deal extended his “own sympathies for the senseless loss of life that transpired 23 years ago”.

“On behalf of the State of Georgia, I join you in mourning their loss. On February 25, 1992, Azerbaijan experienced a brutal massacre resulting in the death of over 600 civilians,” he said.

Deal said “events like this are important to remember, and the lives lost in this tragedy should be honored as we strive to ensure that similar acts of horrendous violence do not happen again.”

“I hope that the Azerbaijani community continues to educate Georgians and others about this day in our past that can teach us much in the present… May we never allow such a tragedy to stain the pages of our history again,” Deal said.

It is noteworthy that this is the first official document on the Khojaly massacre signed by a Georgia governor.

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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Sara Rajabova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @SaraRajabova

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