On February 23, the event dedicated to 26th anniversary of Khojaly genocide was held in Sumgayit State University. 
The event commenced with commemorating the memory of victims of genocide by 1 minute silence.
Rector Professor Elkhan Huseynov spoke about horrors of Khojaly massacre which is a black page of the history of Azerbaijani nation and noted that 20 percent of Azerbaijani territories are occupied by Armenians; more than 1 million people have become refugees. He said: “Armenian armed forces together with soldiers and military equipment of 366 infantry regiment and located in Khankandi region attacked and ruined Khojaly on February 25-26 in 1992. This is the crime against whole humanity.  He emphasized that, Armenians many times attacked our lands with illusion of setting up “Big Armenia”. In Khojaly massacre which is one of the greatest tragedies of XX century, 613 people were killed, which was consisting of 63 children, 106 women and 70 old people. Meanwhile, 8 families were completely destroyed, 487 people were injured that 76 of them were children; 25 children lost both of their parents, 130 children lost their one parent and 1275 people were taken as a captive. This atrocity will always remain in the memories of the people”.
Rector emphasized that, this bloody tragedy has gained the legal and political status since the return of great leader Haydar Aliyev; president of Azerbaijan Republic Ilham Aliyev and vice-president, president of Heydar Aliyev Fund Mehriban Aliyeva have significant services in disseminating the truth of Khojaly tragedy to foreign countries and international organizations. He noted that, the events and exhibitions are held in foreign countries, as well as booklets and books are published for this purpose. He underlined the importance of “Justice for Khojaly” international campaign held by the initiative of vice-president of Heydar Aliyev Fund Leyla Aliyeva. Professor Elkhan Huseynov pointed out that though 26 years passed since Khojaly tragedy, the criminals have not been punished yet. It is vital to give a political-legal status to the genocide and to sentence offenders. The number of countries recognizing Khojaly genocide is increasing year by year. He expressed his believe and hope on liberation of occupied Azerbaijani territories soon and restoration of justice. 
The resident of Khojaly, as well as the witness of the tragedy Aydin Aliyev delivered speech and noted that, his family members, close relatives and other inhabitants of the city were subjected to torture and cruelty by Armenian soldiers. He emphasized: “I survived there by chance and I will never forget the tragedy. Khojaly genocide is grief, sorrow and pain of all of us.”
The event ended with literary-artistic composition “Waiting Khojaly” prepared by the students. 

Press Service