32 years ago tonight, the darkness over Karabağ was pierced by the screams of agony of civilian Azerbaijanis of the town of Hocalı, as they were brutally murdered by the invading Armenian armed forces. The next day, on 26 February 1992, the world woke up to the shocking images of one of the most horrendous massacres of the 20^thcentury. 613 civilians were murdered on that fateful night, including many children, women and elderly. Hundreds were wounded and more than a thousand were taken hostage, many of whom were never to be heard of again.

As we have gathered here to remember those martyrs, we are also aware that innocence and humanity were destroyed at Hocalı 32 years ago. This was one of the infamous war crimes and crimes against humanity. The attitude of the Armenian responsibles and the impunity ever since that day only adds to the direness of the crimes committed.

We will not forget Hocalı and those who fell at the hands of cruel agressors. I pay my deep respects to their memory and extend my heartfelt condolences to the people of Azerbaijan.

Türkiye and Azerbaijan are two states but one people. The suffering of Azerbaijan is Türkiye’s suffering. Likewise, the joy of Azerbaijan felt on the emancipation of Karabağ and other occupied lands was felt at heart by the Turkish nation.