National Revival Day Marked in Azerbaijan

Today Azerbaijan marks National Revival Day. On November 17, 1988 uninterrupted demonstration was staged at Baku central square in a token of protest at Moscow's policy towards the Karabakh conflict. Later on the demonstration has turned into a political action, which has led to national- liberation movement in Azerbaijan.

On these days for the first time during 70 years of Soviet power three-color flag of independent Azerbaijan - Azerbaijan People's Republic (1918-1920) - has been hoisted in Baku.

People said at the square that Azerbaijan must drop out of the USSR. Half a million people gathered every day at the square, which that time was named after Lenin.

The demonstration continued even after imposing of curfew and bringing in of Soviet troops. The square was freed from demonstrators only after 18 days - on December 4 at night - with use of troops and armored technique. Many demonstrators have been arrested and leaders of national-liberation movement have been repressed.

After restoration of Azerbaijan's independent in 1991, November 17 was declared the Day of National Revival.

However, in December 2006, the Parliament of Azerbaijan excluded November 17 from the list of non-working days, preserving however the festive day status. -06D-