A ceremony commemorating the memory of the Azerbaijanis fighting in the 223rd rifle division, that took part in the liberation of Mozdok in North Osetia-Alania of the Russian Federation during the Great Patriotic War, has been held.
Addressing the event, Sheikh ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade said that the bravery of Azerbaijan’s national divisions, as well as the 223rd rifle division, is not forgotten, and this kind of events impact patriotic feelings of the new generation. "However, unfortunately, we also witness Neo-fascism sentiments in the contemporary period. The glorification of the memory of so-called "heroes" like Garegin Nzhde in Yerevan is a threat to peace and security in the entire region," the Sheikh noted.
Deputy Prime Minister Shahin Mustafayev said that 2020 has been declared the 75th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War in the CIS, and in this regard, the event in Mozdok is important for Azerbaijan.
Assistant to the President for Public and Political Issues Ali Hasanov highlighted that the glorification of the memory of the Azerbaijanis, who lost their lives in the battles with Fascist invaders, deserves special respect and gratitude: "This monument is also the next symbol of the friendship between the Azerbaijani and Ossetian peoples and between our country and Russia."
Other participants noted that approximately 600, 000 Azerbaijanis took part in the Great Patriotic War, and 90 percent of petroleum and 80 percent of engine oil of high importance belonged to Azerbaijan.
It is noteworthy that great tension emerged in the Caucasus in the summer of 1942. Nazi Germany was moving towards the right bank of the Terek river after occupying Maykop, Pyatigorsk, Mozdok and other cities. The courageous Azerbaijani National Division was standing on the opposite side. The 223rd division stood out in the liberation of the North Caucasus from January 1st till March 16th, 1943.
Rufat Hamzayev