Ottawa gathering commemorates March 31 genocide victims, April battles photo

A commemorative event marking the Day of the Genocide of Azerbaijanis on March 31 and the 10th anniversary of the April Battles was held in Ottawa.

According to Azerbaijani state media, the event was organised by the Azerbaijani Embassy in Canada and the “Karabakh” Azerbaijani language school, with support from the State Committee on Work with Diaspora of the Republic of Azerbaijan. It was attended by embassy staff, members of the Azerbaijani diaspora and local community, as well as students studying in Ottawa.

The event was opened by the Chargé d’Affaires of the Azerbaijani Embassy in Canada, Vusal Suleymanov. In his remarks, he spoke about acts of genocide committed against Azerbaijanis by Armenians across various historical periods, highlighting the profound moral and historical significance of the April Battles for the Azerbaijani people. He also addressed post-war reconstruction and restoration efforts carried out by Azerbaijan, as well as the country’s policy aimed at ensuring peace and stability in the region.

Teachers from the school, Vusala Ahmadova and Ulviya Rahimova, then delivered detailed presentations on the historical roots of what they described as a long-standing policy of genocide against the Azerbaijani people. They noted that the April Battles marked the beginning of Azerbaijan’s eventual victory in the Patriotic War.

The program also included speeches by representatives of the Azerbaijani community and screenings of patriotic films.

By Tamilla Hasanova