BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 16. The Embassy of
Azerbaijan in France, together with the Friends of Azerbaijan
Association (ADA), held a ceremony in Paris to honor the memory of
the victims of the 20 January tragedy, the embassy told Trend.
In her remarks, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to France, Leyla
Abdullayeva, recounted the bloody events of the night between 19
and 20 January 1990, when Soviet troops entered Baku, committing
unprecedented violence against civilians. “20 January is not only a
tragic day etched into our national memory but also a turning point
in the fight for freedom. Despite the bloodshed, the Azerbaijani
people’s will could not be broken. During that night, Soviet troops
entered Baku, committing unprecedented violence against civilians,
leaving dozens dead and hundreds injured.
The events of 20 January could not break the Azerbaijani
people’s will for independence. On the contrary, this tragedy
strengthened national unity and reinforced the idea of sovereignty.
Ordinary people faced tanks and weapons with courage, sacrificing
their lives for freedom and laying the foundation of a future
independent state,” Abdullayeva said.
The ambassador emphasized that the 20 January tragedy is not
only a day of mourning but also the beginning of the path toward
Azerbaijan’s state independence. This path ultimately led to the
restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity in 2020 during
the 44-day Patriotic War, when the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, under
the leadership of President and Supreme Commander Ilham Aliyev,
liberated occupied territories, fulfilling the nation’s 30-year
quest for justice and sovereignty.
She also noted that following the restoration of territorial
integrity, new realities have been established in the region, with
a focus on a peace agenda. Negotiations are currently ongoing
between Azerbaijan and neighboring Armenia to sign a peace
agreement, which is expected this year. Such a step could represent
a key milestone for long-term stability and cooperation in the
South Caucasus.
“Today, an independent, strong, and victorious Azerbaijan stands
tall on the legacy of the 20 January martyrs and all heroes who
sacrificed for the homeland. Their dedication will never be
forgotten and will remain a symbol of freedom and pride throughout
Azerbaijani history,” the ambassador said.
Following her speech, Jérôme Begen, the newly appointed
president of the Friends of Azerbaijan Association (ADA), addressed
the audience. He spoke about ADA’s mission and activities,
emphasizing the importance of promoting Azerbaijani culture and
expanding membership.
Before the ceremony, ADA held its annual meeting at the
Embassy’s Cultural Center. The outgoing president, former member of
the French National Assembly Jérôme Lambert, and Secretary General
Mirvari Fataliyeva presented the annual report and outlined
programs and projects for the current year. Jérôme Begen was
elected as ADA’s new president. In addition, new vice presidents
and a secretary general were appointed for a three-year term.
The ceremony concluded with performances by distinguished
Azerbaijani artists. Sahib Pashazade, director of the International
Mugham Center, People’s Artist, recipient of the Presidential Award
and “Taraggi” Medal, and winner of international competitions,
performed on the tar. Saida Taghizade, director of the State
Children’s Philharmonic and laureate of international competitions,
played the piano, and soprano Sona Isganderli, a graduate of the
Parma Arrigo Boito Conservatory (Conservatorio di Musica Arrigo
Boito – Parma) and laureate of international competitions,
performed works by Azerbaijani and European composers.
