Sunday marks the 20th anniversary of the Khojaly massacre, which resulted in over 600 civilian deaths. Along with January 20th, this is one of the most important dates in Azerbaijan.
Maybe it’s anniversary fever, but suddenly, Azerbaijan is popping up around the world. Germany and France have recognized the event as an act of genocide. A memorial was erected in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Signs for Khojaly have been placed in New York and Washington, even on the front page of The Washington Post website, and on buses and buildings in New York City. Even the state of New Jersey recognized the massacre.
At my school, an assembly was held to remember those who passed on that day, complete with a powerpoint slide show, detailing the event. Even though I did not understand all that was said, it was clear how impassioned they felt about the incident.
While the war that lead to these deaths caused suffering and death for both sides of the conflict, it is nice to see the issue receive international attention. Progress towards peace has not been achieved solely between the two countries, which to this day remain technically at war, albeit in a cease-fire. Attention, interest, and encouragement from the international community seem the best and most effective means of encouraging both sides to move towards a peaceful resolution. Of course there are other pressing international relations concerns, but a peace between these two countries sure would make relations in this region healthier.
http://news.az/articles/karabakh/55420
http://news.az/articles/politics/55381
http://azerbaijanamericaalliance.org/
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