Azerbaijani serviceman killed as nation marks anniversary of events in Khojaly.

The Azerbaijani Ministry of Defence said that one of its serviceman was killed when Armenian forces opened fire on Wednesday afternoon. The victim, Shahin Nohbalayev, was a junior sergeant. There was no indication as to where the incident occured. Cease fire violations decreased considerably during the period of the Sochi Olympic Games when both sides agreed to observe an "Olympic truce", but have been increasing again over the last days.

This was the first fatality reported since the end of the Games and it came as Azerbaijan was marking the 22nd anniversary of the events in the town of Khojaly where hundreds of Azerbaijanis, including civilians, were killed at the height of the Karabakh conflict. Azerbaijan characterises the Khojaly events as a genocide. The anniversary was marked in Azerbaijan with a one minute silence during which all traffic stopped and flags were lowered.

Azerbaijani diplomatic missions and civil society organisations have also marked the anniversary.

On their part Armenians also commemorate at the end of February events in the Azerbaijani town of Sumgait where in 1988, in one of the first major incidents of the conflict, ethnic violence erupted leaving many dead.

source: commonspace.eu with agencies.

photo: Traffic stops in Baku as the nation marked the 22nd anniversary of the Khojaly events. (picture courtesy of APA).

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
Azerbaijan-NATO event focused on energy security and climate change challenges

Azerbaijan-NATO event focused on energy security and climate change challenges

On Monday (28 October), Azerbaijan held a meeting in Baku with NATO's Climate and Energy Security Sector representatives from the Innovation, Hybrid Issues and Cybersecurity Division and representatives from NATO member and partner countries to discuss energy security and climate change. 

Popular

Editor's choice
News
Azerbaijan-NATO event focused on energy security and climate change challenges

Azerbaijan-NATO event focused on energy security and climate change challenges

On Monday (28 October), Azerbaijan held a meeting in Baku with NATO's Climate and Energy Security Sector representatives from the Innovation, Hybrid Issues and Cybersecurity Division and representatives from NATO member and partner countries to discuss energy security and climate change.