Canberra, February 25, AZERTAC The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Australia has officially responded to the appeal of Australian Azerbaijanian Association regarding the Khojaly genocide, Chairman of the Association Michael Oyta told AZERTAC.“The Australian Government acknowledges the suffering caused by conflict around the Nagorno-Karabakh region between 1988 and 1994. The terrible events in Khojaly on 26 February 1992 should not be forgotten – they are a reminder to the parties to the conflict of the need to find a lasting and peaceful settlement to the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute,” Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne said in the letter.“In this regard, the Government supports the ongoing mediation work of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group, and we continue to encourage both sides to remain engaged in finding a solution.”“The Government`s long-standing position, consistent with that of the international community, is one of respect and support for the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. The Government does not recognize Nagorno-Karabakh as an independent state,” Minister Marise Payne added. Vugar AghayevSpecial correspondent