U.S. congressmen to learn about Khojali genocide

Azerbaijan, Baku, Jan. 30 / Trend , B.Hasanov/

U.S. congressmen will soon learn about the Khojali genocide committed by Armenians against Azerbaijanis.

"We will meet with congressmen in February and inform them about the Khojali genocide. We plan to distribute CDs with records of the tragedy to the congressmen," Turkish-U.S. Associations Federation President Kaya Boztepe told Trend in a telephone conversation from New York on Jan. 30.

On the night of February 25-26, 1992, the Armenian armed forces killed 487 people, including 76 youths, in Kholjali, Azeraijan. A total of 1,275 people were taken prisoner.

Although most of the prisoners have been released, the fate of 150 people remains unknown.

Boztepe said they will discuss the alleged "Armenian Genocide" with the congressmen, as well.

The Turkish diaspora is facing difficulties in the U.S. after President Barack Obama came to power this year. Earlier Obama promised the Armenian lobby to recognize the "genocide. " Boztepe said they will make the position of the Turkish diaspora known to the president.

"We sent a congratulatory letter to Obama and noted our intention to meet with him soon," Boztepe said.

Boztepe is sure the meeting will take place. He added that they believe that the meeting will be an important opportunity.

Armenia and the Armenian lobby claim that the Ottoman Empire, Turkey's predecessor, committed genocide against Armenians in Anatolia in 1915.

The Armenian lobby is expected to strengthen their activities at parliaments around the world to recognize the event, especially in the U.S. due to anniversary of "genocide" in April.

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