Yesterday in Rome I have met separately with representatives of The Guardian, Times, France 24, DW Germany, Stampa Estera, Rai, Al Ghad TV, and other media outlets, presenting—with evidence—the Azerbaijani side's torture of Armenian captives, violations—by the criminal actions of the Azerbaijani armed servicemen—of the rights of the RA border residents. The Human Rights Defender (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Armenia (RA), Arman Tatoyan, noted this in a statement he issued Friday.

"I have reflected especially on the RA Human Rights Defender’s concept to create a demilitarized security zone.

I have noted that our proposal was also included in the PACE resolution, as we have substantiated—with facts—the necessity of it.

I have reflected also on the illegal deployment—after the [Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh)] war [last fall]—of Azerbaijani servicemen on the roads between the RA communities, the criminal acts, (…) and, furthermore (…) criminal acts take place in Gegharkunik and Syunik [Provinces of Armenia] due to [Azerbaijani] incursions into the RA sovereign territory.

I have presented in detail the urgency of the return of the Armenian captives held in Azerbaijan, emphasizing that the [respective] international requirements are ignored, and they are kept for military-political bargaining.

I have explained that the policy—which continues and is with manifestations of fascism—of Armenophobia and enmity by the Azerbaijani authorities is at the basis of human rights violations, including torture and inhuman treatment [of Armenian captives].

I have especially noted that the Azerbaijani peace-loving calls are just a veil for the international community.

I have handed the reports of the Human Rights Defender, and we have agreed to collaborate in the future,” the ombudsman Armenia added, in particular.