THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
171
Session of
2013
INTRODUCED BY MURT, V. BROWN, CALTAGIRONE, COHEN, DENLINGER, GINGRICH, HENNESSEY, HESS, KORTZ, MICOZZIE, MILLARD, READSHAW AND SONNEY, MARCH 18, 2013
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, MARCH 18, 2013
<br style="page-break-before:auto;mso-break-type:section-break" clear="all"> A RESOLUTION
<br style="page-break-before:auto;mso-break-type:section-break" clear="all">
Recognizing the 21st anniversary of the Khojaly Massacre and <a name="1.02">honoring the life and memory of the victims of this horrific tragedy.
WHEREAS, February 26, 2013, marked the 21st anniversary of the Khojaly Massacre in Azerbaijan and the observance of this tragic date inspires reflection by individuals across the globe; and
WHEREAS, On February 25 and 26, 1992, Armenian armed forces, accompanied by Russian military troops, attacked and occupied the besieged town of Khojaly as part of the armed aggression and ethnic cleansing that had been taking place in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan since 1988; and
WHEREAS, When the residents of the town attempted to flee the area, they were fired on by the Armenian and Russian troops, resulting in the largest massacre of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict; and
WHEREAS, It is estimated that 613 civilians were killed, 150 civilians went missing, 487 civilians were wounded and 1,270 civilians were taken hostage; and
WHEREAS, The massacre was reported by major news organizations and has been viewed by the Human Rights Watch/Helsinki organization as a violation of customary law regarding the treatment of civilians in war zones; and
WHEREAS, This tragic event is a sobering reminder of the terrible carnage that can be inflicted in wartime and the enduring need for greater understanding, communication and tolerance among people; and
WHEREAS, The U.S. Azeris Network coordinates with Azerbaijani-American communities to educate others about important events in the history of Azerbaijan; and
WHEREAS, The U.S. Azeris Network plays a pivotal role in preserving the memory of this terrible tragedy and through its efforts, the legacy of those who died will never be forgotten; and
WHEREAS, It is fitting to honor the lives and memories of the victims of this horrific tragedy; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the 21st anniversary of the Khojaly Massacre and honor the life and memory of the victims of this horrific tragedy; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the United States Department of State, the United States embassy in Azerbaijan and to each member of Congress from Pennsylvania.
