Global tributes pour in on 33rd anniversary of Khojaly tragedy

On the 33rd anniversary of the Khojaly genocide, various international entities and diplomats have shared their condolences and expressed solidarity with Azerbaijan, honouring the memory of the victims.

The US Embassy in Azerbaijan published a message joining the Azerbaijani people in remembering the victims of the 1992 Khojaly tragedy.

US Charge d'Affaires in Azerbaijan, Hugo Guevara, was quoted by Caliber.Az, saying, “Today we join the Azerbaijani people in honouring the memory of the victims of the 1992 Khojaly tragedy. We express our deep condolences to their families and loved ones.”

The European Union (EU) Delegation in Azerbaijan also marked the anniversary, with Ambassador Peter Michalko emphasizing the need for peace to prevent such tragedies in the future. Michalko stated, “We mourn and honour the memory of innocent women, men, children and the elderly who died in the terrible events in Khojaly. I express my deep condolences to those who lost their loved ones, friends, and homes in this tragedy. Our collective duty is to work for peace and sustainable peace so that such a tragedy does not happen again.”

The UN Mission in Azerbaijan also shared a message on its social media, offering its condolences on the tragedy's anniversary. The post read, “In memory of the victims of the 1992 Khojaly tragedy, we must commit ourselves to make sure that such atrocities never happen again. Lasting peace can only be achieved through dialogue and reconciliation.”

The Khojaly genocide, during which hundreds of Azerbaijani civilians were killed and captured, remains a dark chapter in history. Turkish Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Birol Akgün, reflected on the event during a conversation with journalists, stating, “We mourn for our shehids. It was an act of genocide committed by Armenian armed formations, which resulted in the death of 613 innocent people. On that day, many Azerbaijanis were captured and went missing. This tragic event has left an indelible trace in history. We express our condolences to the Azerbaijani people.”

The Turkish Foreign Ministry also honoured the memory of the victims, with a post on social media expressing, “We recall with mercy and respect the precious memory of our innocent Azerbaijani brothers killed in Khojaly exactly 33 years ago and carry the pain of our beloved Azerbaijan in our hearts.”

Kubanychbek Omuraliyev, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), commemorated the victims, stating, “Today we solemnly mark the 33rd anniversary of the Khojaly genocide, one of the most tragic and cruel acts in modern history. We pay tribute to the memory of the innocent victims of Azerbaijan and reaffirm our unwavering solidarity with the government and the brotherly people of Azerbaijan.”

Lithuanian Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Kęstutis Vaškelevičius, also paid tribute, writing, “With respect and reverence, I honour the memory of the victims of the Khojaly genocide.”

A commemorative event was held at the Azerbaijani Embassy in China, attended by diplomats, scientific and public figures, and Azerbaijani citizens in Beijing. A wreath was placed in front of the “Kharybulbul” bas-relief at the Embassy, followed by a minute of silence in honour of the victims. A photo exhibition and a video featuring interviews with survivors of the genocide were part of the event.

Israeli Ambassador to Azerbaijan, George Deek, expressed condolences on behalf of Israel, stating, “Today we honour the memory of the victims of the 1992 Khojaly tragedy. On behalf of Israel, I express my sincere condolences to the people of Azerbaijan.” He also highlighted the importance of unity, writing, “Such tragedies remind us of our duty to unite against hatred and injustice and to protect our common humanity.”

British Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Fergus Ould, shared a publication on the anniversary, stating, “33 years have passed since the Khojaly tragedy. Together with all Azerbaijanis, I honour the memory of the victims of this tragedy.”

The French Embassy in Azerbaijan also has expressed its condolences on the 33rd anniversary of the tragic events in Khojaly.

The embassy shared a post on its social media, stating, “Today we honour the memory of the victims of Khojaly and extend our condolences to the entire Azerbaijani people.”

Similarly, the Swedish Embassy in Baku marked the anniversary of the Khojaly genocide with a heartfelt message.

The Swedish Embassy posted on its social media, saying, “Today, we share in the grief of the Azerbaijani people who lost their loved ones during the tragic events of Khojaly in 1992.”

By Tamilla Hasanova