A vernissage of the exhibition “The Night of Khojaly” by a French artist was held in Paris

A vernissage of the exhibition “The Night of Khojaly” comprised of paintings devoted by French Artist Renaud Baltzinger to the Khojaly tragedy was held, February 26^th, at the Cultural Centre of Azerbaijan in Paris, with organizational support from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Heydar Aliyev Centre and Azerbaijan’s Embassy in France. In addition to paintings, photos related to the bloody event were displayed at the exhibition.

Welcoming the guests, Ambassador Elchin Amirbayov said the tragedy occurred on the night of February 26^th in Khojaly will never be effaced from the memories of Azerbaijanis. The Ambassador mentioned that the news coming from Garabagh about the atrocities committed 21 year ago by  Armenian armed forces against peaceful civilians in Khojaly shocked the whole world. He noted that, committed on the grounds of the Armenian-Azerbaijani, Daghlyg Garabagh conflict, this act of genocide so far remains unknown to the French public: “Pursuing a policy of ethnic cleansing, Armenia has occupied 20 per cent of our territory and, as a result, over one million Azerbaijanis have been forced out of their homes. Serge Sarkisyan, who had led the Armenian armed forces that had mercilessly killed unarmed residents of Khojaly, is now the president of Armenia. Those committing an act of genocide against Khojaly should be brought before a court of justice. The world society should give a political appraisal of this act. The Khojaly Genocide will never be forgotten.”

Mentioning that the campaign “Justice to Khojaly!” has been held since 2008, the Ambassador said thousands of people have joined this campaign in order for justice to gain victory. Amirbayov told that recognition of this genocide  is of great importance both in terms of commemorating the memory of Khojaly victims and also giving a hope to future generations.

Drawing attention to the fact that these tragic events were recognized by Mexico, Pakistan and other countries as a genocide, E. Amirbayov said a number of states of America have appraised the tragedy of Khojaly as a genocide against the people of Azerbaijan. He expressed a hope that the events occurred in Khojaly  will be recognized as a genocide by French politicians too.

In her speech, Senator Natalie Gule noted that she was working with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Parliament of Azerbaijan towards promoting Azerbaijan in France, was acting in the capacity of the Vice-president of the France-Caucasus Friendship Group in the Senate, and mentioned that she made repeated visits to our country and  brought to attention that promotion of Azerbaijan’s history and culture was of significance.

She noted her speech she made in the Senate, when she had said the opening of the Khojaly airport was another sabotage, and said the tragedy of Khojaly was a tragedy of the humanity.

Artist Renaud Baltzinger said he had worked on the pieces displayed at the exhibition for two years and approached the choice of a colour for each work seriously, and said the red colour on the panels were reflecting the blood of those fallen during the Khojaly tragedy. Baltzinger noted that he was proud of being the first French artist to revive the night of Khojaly  in his works. The artist thanked the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and its President Mehriban Aliyeva for the support provided to organization of the exhibition.

At the end, commemorative feast was given in memory of the Khojaly victims.