An Azerbaijani delegation led by Leyla Abdullayeva, Azerbaijani Ambassador to France, visited the city of Rodez, to honor the memory of the Azerbaijani soldiers, members of the French Resistance, including Michel Huseynov, who died heroically during the World War II.

They also viewed the execution site, where the Azerbaijani soldiers were killed, as well as the prison camp building, where they were held captive.

Also present at the commemorative event were Nicole Schira, Deputy President of the Aveyron branch of the Souvenir Francais, an organization established in 1887, to commemorate the memory of those, who gave their lives for France, Vencent Besombes, President of the Rodez Committee of the Souvenir Francais, and others.

Addressing the event, Nicole Schira briefed the participants about the event, expressing her gratitude to the Azerbaijani Embassy in the country for this initiative.

In her remarks, Ambassador Leyla Abdullayeva thanked the Souvenir Francais’ leadership, as well the Rodez City Hall for their respect and perpetuation of memory of the Azerbaijani soldiers. Highlighting the valiance of the Azerbaijani soldiers, Leyla Abdullayeva noted that most of the Azerbaijani soldiers were presented as the Soviet soldiers, thus, regretfully, most of them were buried as the “unknown soldiers” at the time.

She also noted that the Azerbaijani people are proud of their heroes, who etched their names in the history of France.

The participants also observed a minute of silence, honoring the memory of the Azerbaijani heroes.

The Azerbaijani ambassador was also presented with the book, highlighting the French Resistance during the WWII.

Shahla Aghalarova

Special correspondent