Azerbaijan, Baku, Feb. 25 /Trend, K.Zarbaliyeva/
The Heydar Aliyev Academy of the Ministry of National Security hosted an event dedicated to the 19th anniversary of the Khojaly genocide.
Memory of the Khojaly genocide victims was honored with a moment of silence, Ministry's center for public relations told Trend. Then, the national anthem of Azerbaijan was voiced.
Deputy rector of the Academy, Major General Iskandar Allahverdiyev spoke in detail about the brutal murders of Khojaly civilians, including children, women and the elderly, by the Armenian bandits and the 366th rifle regiment of the former Soviet empire on the night from Feb. 25 to 26.
Allahverdiyev noted that Khojaly tragedy was the most ruthless aggression against the Azerbaijani national consciousness and the spirit of national freedom. According to Allahverdiyev, it is impossible to forget this sorrow, this tragedy and its authors, it is necessary to examine and pass to future generations the story in order to prevent the repetition of such horrific tragedies.
According to Allahverdiyev, only after the National Leader Heydar Aliyev returned to power, a political assessment was given to Khojaly tragedy, this terrible event was recognized as genocide against the Azerbaijanis, it became possible to take public care about the families of victims of the tragedy. Decrees and orders to immortalize the names of martyrs, to assist their family members are evidence of great respect and care.
According to Allahverdiyev, the steps taken as a result of confident and successful policy of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to return ancestral lands of Azerbaijan serve the national interests of Azerbaijan. According to him, the political way of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev is continued by his worthy successor, President Ilham Aliyev. The President, who prefers to a diplomatic and civilized way to resolve the conflict, categorically said that if necessary, all means will be used to restore the country's territorial integrity, and Azerbaijan will never retreat from its fair position.