Address of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev to the Azerbaijani people on the fourth anniversary of the Khojali genocide - Baku, February 24, 1996

Dear compatriots!

Four years have passed since the Khojali massacre, which is one of the most brutal terror acts in the history of the mankind. Remained defenceless because of indifference of the then authorities of Azerbaijan hundreds of innocent people, the old, women, children were murdered by the Armenians in Khojali. That genocide, which is one of the most brutal crimes in the history of the mankind demonstrated the world the ferocity of the Armenian aggressors once again.

Though the Khojali tragedy wounded us, it could not break the will and patience of our people. That tragedy strengthened and united us in the struggle for the independence and territorial integrity of our country. Heroism of our martyrs encourage us to struggle for liberating the occupied territories and return of the displaced home.

I express my condolense on the anniversary of the Khojali tragedy. The martyrs perished for Azerbaijan will never be forgotten.

May all our martyrs rest in peace.

\"Heydar Aliyev: Our independence is perpetual\" (speeches, statements, interviews, letters, addresses, decrees), Volume 5, Baku - 1998, page 355