A meeting was held at the Caucasus Muslims Board with the participation of the leaders of religious confessions operating in Azerbaijan on the occasion of the 34th anniversary of the Khojaly tragedy.
The ceremony began with the performance of the National Anthem and the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran.
Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board, Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, emphasized that the religious tolerance and multicultural values formed in Azerbaijan over the centuries constitute the spiritual foundation of our society. He spoke about the damage caused by Armenians to our religious and cultural heritage during the Garabagh conflict and noted that the Khojaly tragedy was a grave crime committed against humanity. He stated that the historic Victory achieved in the Patriotic War ensured the restoration of our country's territorial integrity and sovereignty, pointing out that the memory of the martyrs is always commemorated with respect.
The Deputy Chairman of the CMB, Rashad Aliyarli, emphasized that the Khojaly tragedy was a grave crime directed against humanity and said that the killing of innocent people does not align with any religious or spiritual values. He drew attention to the crimes committed by terrorist organizations operating in the world, especially Armenian terrorist groups, against the Azerbaijani people at various times. He stated that religious confessions play an important role in promoting peace, mutual respect, and values of coexistence.
Later, a joint statement by the leaders of religious confessions operating in Azerbaijan was read.
The ceremony also featured speeches by Milikh Yevdayev, head of the Community of Mountain Jews; Bishop Vladimir Fekete, Ordinary of the Catholic Church in Azerbaijan; Alexiy, Bishop of Baku and Azerbaijan of the Russian Orthodox Church; Alexander Sharovsky, head of the Community of European Jews in Baku; Robert Mobili, chairman of the Albanian-Udi Christian Religious Community; and Zamir Isayev, head of the Baku community of Sephardic Jews. It was pointed out that war deals heavy blows to human life and leads to countless tragedies and deep suffering. It was stated that peace is the essential condition for the development of societies and for people to live safe and dignified lives. It was reminded that heavenly religions promote principles of mercy, humanism, and the preservation of life. It was noted that the essence of the divine call is not to destroy humans, but to protect and preserve them.
The ceremony concluded with the reading of a prayer for the souls of the martyrs by the Deputy Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board, the Qadi of Iravan, Bakhtiyar Najafov.