After Azerbaijan became independent in 1991, the government declared a national holiday to commemorate the events of 31 December 1989 and 1 January 1990.
In a statement to mark the holiday, known as the Day of Solidarity, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev called the people of his country and Azerbaijanis living abroad to "strengthen unity and solidarity with your kin."
Aliyev called on ethnic Azerbaijanis living abroad to work to improve the image of Azerbaijan in the countries where they now live.
(Agencies)
RFE/RL Caucasus Report
RFE/RL Caucasus Report
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