New Page 1: "Washington DC Commemoration of the Khojaly Massacre, February 24 2006
On February 24, 2006 the Turkish, Azerbaijani, Iranian Azerbaijani, Uzbek, Crimean and Cyprus Turkish communities joined forces in a commemoration of the 14th year anniversary of the Khojaly massacre committed by Armenian armed forces in the Karabagh region of Azerbaijan and to condemn Armenia’s continuing occupation of Azerbaijan’s historic and legitimate lands.
The event was organized by Bedir Memmedli, the leader of the Azerbaijani community in Washington DC. The commemoration was attended by many from New York, Tomris Azeri, the President of Azerbaijani Society of America, by Ulker Aksu and Gusan Yedic, the leaders of the annual April 24 protest against Armenian allegations. Assembly of Turkish American Associations (ATAA) was represented by Oya Bain, the Secretary General, who gave a speech which follows below. DC Police and the National Park Police provided service and protection against possible Armenian assaults.
Between 2:30 and 3:00 PM the group of of 100 persons gathered at Dupont Circle in the heart of Washington DC, then walked to the Armenian Embassy. Many persons carried placards condemning Armenians' aggression, terrorism, and atrocities. Turkish, Azerbaijani, Turkish Cypriot and Uzbek flags were very visible. The heavy traffic during those hours provided much exposure to the demonstration."