A conference concerning the 33rd anniversary of Khojaly Genocide was held in the Chamber of Deputies of Italy.

The conference titled “Khojaly after 33 years. Time to return for justice and reconciliation” was organized with an initiative of Naike Gruppioni, a member of Chamber of Deputies’ Committee on Foreign Affairs and Public Relations.

Speaking at the conference, N. Gruppioni spoke about events that happened in Khojaly 33 years ago and emphasized how significant it is to talk about them in order to prevent similar tragedies from happening and to establish a more just world. She stated the liberation of those lands from occupation and the possibility of achieving a lasting peace.

The moderator of the session, Head of Italy Human Rights Federation-Italy Helsinki Committee, Professor Antonio Stango reminded that Khojaly memorial ceremony has been held for years; however, it occurs with a more positive, effective peace perspective.

Chair of the European Union Policy Committee, Senator Giulio Terzi di Sant ‘Agata, talked about the history of Khojaly Genocide, emphasized the unacceptance of disinformation regarding the genocide. Despite this tragedy, he, simultaneously, indicated how Azerbaijan has gained a great recognition, as well as the successful hosting of COP29 at the end of last year and the positive outcomes of the conference. The senator highlighted that international justice is a main condition for international security and that the European Court of Human Rights identified the massacre of Khojaly’s civilian population as “especially grave acts that can be marked as war crimes and crimes against humanity” in its decision on 22 April 2010.

Fabrizio Conti, creative director of Italian company “Artcloud Network International”, noted his regular visit to Azerbaijan for the last 5 years, spoke about his observations in Garabagh and Khojaly, the opinions of survivors and those returning to liberated areas, the construction of “Memory Museum” in Garabagh, restoration of Asgaran fortress and a number of various projects as such.

Afterwards, by taking the floor, Marco Scurria, Secretary of the European Union Policy Committee of the Senate, referred to the value of social identity and pains of those forced to leave their lands, stated the impossibility of the creation of artificial history and by erasing the historical tragedies, and noted the compulsory participation of various institutes in such events.

Azerbaijan’s Ambassador in Italy, Rashad Aslanov, noted that it constitutes as a genocide and crime against humanity at international law sphere, once again emphasizing the facts about Khojaly Genocide. The Ambassador noted that former President of Armenia and other officials have admitted the Khojaly Genocide, and that some of the executors of this bloody crime are on trial in Azerbaijan. He stated that this might lead to new massacres, and for that reason, highlighted the importance of the international community’s solidarity in condemning the massacre, emphasizing how significant responsibility is and how unacceptable impunity is.

The Ambassador especially stated the unitary operation of the whole world to prevent such actions from happening, talking about “Justice for Khojaly!” campaign launched by the Vice-President of Haydar Aliyev Foundation, Leyla Aliyeva.

It was highlighted that restoration works are conducted in the liberated areas on the order of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and individuals have started to return to their native lands so as to live in prosperity after 33 years.