Appeal of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev to the Azerbaijani nation ‎on the occasion of the third anniversary of the Khojaly genocide, - February 25, 1995‎


Dear compatriots!

Three years have passed since the genocide in Khojaly which is the most bloody page of our history. This genocide in the history of the world of the twenty century is the most horrible act of savagery, the most severe ring of the aggressive plan, and crime not only against the Azerbaijani nation, but the whole humanity. The cruel massacre of the innocent people displayed their barbarism to the world community barely.

The struggle for the power inside of the country paved the way for this tragedy, too. The political illiteracy of the former government, their opposite position to the public interest also created suitable condition for this crime.

Despite the cruelty of this action, such intentionally committed crimes against our national existence and struggle for independence couldn't break the will of our nation and shake its steady volition.

I call the Azerbaijani nation to preserve its will and resolution, mobilize for the future struggles. Our martyrs' holy spirits demand it.

I bow in front of the sacred spirits of the innocent victims of the genocide of Khojaly, and express my condolences to my nation.

May God rest them in peace!

Heydar Aliyev,

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. 

''Heydar Aliyev: our independence is eternal'' [statements, speeches, declarations, letters, appeals, decrees]

Translated from the material of ''Azerneshr'', Baku, xxxx, pg. 214