Senate of New Jersey adopts resolution on Khojaly genocide

The US Senate of New Jersey adopted a resolution on the 31st anniversary of the Khojaly genocide.

The resolution signed by state senator Joseph Cryan contains detailed information about the Khojaly genocide: "The Senate of the State of New Jersey notes with deep sadness and solemnity the Thirty-First Anniversary of the Khojaly Massacre, which took place in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan in February of 1992.

"It was the largest massacre of the many pogroms suffered during the former conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and civilians living in the town of Khojaly suffered unimaginable brutality before their homes and businesses were razed to rubble.

"Following massive artillery bombardments, the town was besieged from all directions, resulting in more than six hundred casualties, and among the dead were some one hundred women and eighty-three children. Many of the youngest survivors grew up without parents, and to this day, one hundred fifty individuals remain missing, a harsh reality compounded by the lack of consequence meted out against the perpetrators.

"The international community has strongly condemned the use of military force against civilians during this conflict and have documented serious violations of international humanitarian law.

"The citizenry of Azerbaijan are committed to and support efforts that promote the path to peace, security, and regional integration in the Southern Caucasus, and the members of this Legislature stand with them in their demand for culpability and their quest for justice.

"The Senate of the State of New Jersey hereby honors the memory of the six hundred thirteen civilians who perished during the Khojaly Massacre, pays tribute to all those who have endeavored to restore peace and civility, and urges all New Jerseyans to participate fittingly in the observance of this somber anniversary.”

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