Yesterday, the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs solemnly marked the 34th anniversary of the pogroms against Armenians in Baku – a series of tragic events which unfolded during the Azerbaijani SSR period. The commemoration was a poignant reminder of a violent chapter in history, one that the ministry described as the pinnacle of a policy aimed at forcibly displacing and ethnically cleansing the Armenian population from Azerbaijan.

The Ministry’s statement shed light on the harrowing experiences of hundreds of Armenians who were either murdered, mutilated, or went missing during the pogroms. It was a stark reminder of the atrocities of the past and the long-lasting impact these events have had on the Armenian community.

The commemoration also brought to attention the plight of half a million refugees generated by this violence. These individuals, torn from their homes and communities, represent the human cost of such policies and serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of hate and division.

The Ministry used this commemoration to emphasize the importance of preventing such policies in the future. It highlighted the necessity for all rights to be respected and addressed, an essential element in creating a just and peaceful society. The tribute to the innocent victims of the pogroms underscored this message, underscoring the dire need for reconciliation and progress.

Meanwhile, in related news, Armenian National Assembly Speaker Alen Simonyan expressed that there is not a single provision in the draft peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan that concerns only one of the parties. This assertion came in light of ongoing peace negotiations between the two countries. Simonyan also noted that while Azerbaijan has not referred to Armenia’s 29,800 square kilometers, Armenia expects it to occur. In a separate statement, Artur Vanetsyan, a prominent Armenian political figure, discussed his future presence at various events.