PRINTER'S NO. 772
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
136
Session of
2015
INTRODUCED BY READSHAW, MILLARD, COHEN, THOMAS, CALTAGIRONE,
ACOSTA, KINSEY, BISHOP, McNEILL, V. BROWN, HELM AND SACCONE,
MARCH 2, 2015
INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35,
MARCH 2, 2015
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing the 23rd anniversary of the Khojaly Massacre and
honoring the life and memory of the victims of this horrific
tragedy.
WHEREAS, February 26, 2015, marks the 23rd 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
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
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 Assembly of the Friends of Azerbaijan (AFAZ)
coordinates with Azerbaijani-American communities to educate
others about important events in the history of Azerbaijan; and
WHEREAS, AFAZ 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
23rd 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.
20150HR0136PN0772 - 2 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24