During the event that was held in commemoration of the victims of the 1988 Armenian pogroms in Sumgait, Azerbaijan, and which was held Tuesday in the French parliament, members of the Azerbaijani delegation refused to pay respects—with a minute silence—to the victims and, instead, exclaimed that they will pay their respects solely to the victims of the Khojaly massacre in 1992.

This statement displeased the Armenian delegates and, as a result, a clash broke out, but the police intervened.

Azerbaijan’s ambassador to France arrived immediately after the incident and condemned what occurred.  

In all likelihood, this provocation was planned because Azerbaijani TV crews likewise were on hand at the event.  

Mourad Papazian, the Head of the Coordination Council of Armenian organizations of France (CCAF), said this provocation is unacceptable, especially ahead of their demonstration that will be staged in two days in front of the Azerbaijani embassy, Lragir.am reports.