New Mexico Governor condemns Khojaly massacre

/By AzerNews/

By Sara Rajabova

The governor of the U.S. State of New Mexico has condemned the Khojaly massacre, which was committed by the Armenian armed forces in early 1990s.

Susana Martinez signed a letter on February 23 condemning the Khojaly massacre, committed by Armenia against the Azerbaijani civilians in 1992, the Consulate General of Azerbaijan in Los Angeles reported.

The letter was received by the Consulate General of Azerbaijan in Los Angeles.

In the letter, the Governor extends her “sincere condolences to the many Azerbaijanis living in New Mexico and around the globe as they observe the 23rd anniversary of the Khojaly massacre and honor the victims”.

In 1992, the town of Khojaly came under intense fire from the towns of Khankendi and Askeran already occupied by the Armenian armed forces. 613 civilians mostly women and children were killed in the massacre, and a total of 1,000 people were disabled. Eight families were exterminated, 25 children lost both parents, and 130 children lost one parent.

Moreover, 1,275 innocent people were taken hostage, the fate of 150 of them remains unknown. Many civilians were shot at close range, scalped or burned alive.

Martinez concludes her letter by saying that “this event in Khojaly 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 all over the world.”

It is noteworthy that this is the first official document on the Khojaly massacre signed by a New Mexico governor.