A panel titled “Human Rights, International Law and Khojaly Massacre” commemorating the 27th anniversary of Khojaly Massacre was held under the auspices of the Eastern Mediterranean University with the joint efforts of EMU Azerbaijani Student Society, Azerbaijan Diaspora Youth Association and Cyprus Azerbaijan Diaspora Center.
The panel which took place at Mustafa Afşin Ersoy Hall at 2:30 p.m. on 27 February 2019 was attended by notable officials including the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Deputy Parliamentary Spokesperson Zorlu Töre, Azerbaijani Member of the Parliament Nagif Hamzayev and EMU Vice Rector for International Affairs and Promotion Prof. Dr. Cem Tanova.
After the observation of a moment of silence, the National Anthem of Azerbaijan and the Turkish National Anthem, President of Famagusta ‘Ülkü Ocakları’ Sinan Öztürk provided information on Khojaly Massacre and stated that the Turkish Nation will never forget what happened to their cognates. Commemorating all martyrs with respect, Öztürk ended his speech by saying “We haven’t forgotten and we will never forget”.
In a speech of his own, Prof. Dr. Cem Tanova stated that they have gathered to commemorate Khojaly Massacre, which is an affront to humanity. Prof. Dr. Tanova also put forth the fact that towards the end of the 20th Century, a great shame of humanity took place in 1992. Professor Dr. Tanova emphasized that the pain of the Khojaly massacre, during which a total of 613 people were massacred, is felt by all who are human. Putting forth the fact that “We both have one language and share a single fate”, Prof. Dr. Tanova added that Turkey, TRNC and Azerbaijan are stronger together and these three states will get stronger and have tighter bonds in the future. Expressing his hope that such an affront to humanity is never encountered again, Prof. Dr. Tanova commemorated all martyrs with respect.
Following the opening speeches, Azerbaijani Member of the Parliament Nagif Hamzayev presented TRNC Deputy Parliamentary Spokesperson Zorlu Töre ‘Azerbaijan Service Award”. Following a documentary screening featuring the images of Khojaly Massacre martyrs, “Human Rights, International Law and Khojaly Massacre” panel moderated by the President of the Azerbaijan Slavic Youth Association Sabuhi Abbasov was held.