Azerbaijan, Baku, Jan. 19 / Trend M.Aliyev /
Azerbaijani Ombudsman Elmira Suleymanova expressed hope that the international community and international organizations will support the Azerbaijani people's demands for legal assessments of premeditated, inhumane and undemocratic actions against them.
The statement was sent to the U.N. secretary general, the U.N. high commissioner for human rights, to the Council of Europe, the European Ombudsmen Institute and other international organizations and ombudsmen, the ombudsman's office reported.
The Soviet Army commenced military operations against Azerbaijan early morning Jan. 20, 1990 before declaring a state of emergency. The tragedy claimed the lives of 131 people, including 117 Azerbaijanis, six Russians, three Jews and three Tatars. Some 744 people were severely injured. Four went missing and 400 were arrested. Twenty one people were killed after a state of emergency was declared on Jan. 20. Twenty six people were killed in the Neftchala and Lankaran regions.
Jan. 20, 1990 was a heroic page in the history of Azerbaijan's struggle for freedom and territorial integrity.
The tragedy has affected the lives of thousands of innocent Azerbaijanis and demonstrated the inexorable spirit and pride of those who fought against Soviet policies restricting the people's freedom.
Azerbaijan commemorates Jan.20th every year.
The Azerbaijani people will never forget the heroes of the tragedy and will further try to strengthen solidarity by addressing critical issues of the country and protect human rights, the statement says.
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