The speedy return of Armenian prisoners of war and civilian hostages remains a primary issue for the Government of Armenia. This is what Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan said in an interview with Nouvelles d'Arménie.

“Over 100 captives were returned to Armenia after the cessation of fire. Nevertheless, Azerbaijan still hasn’t returned all the captives and is grossly violating the requirements of international humanitarian law, the Geneva Conventions and point 8 of the trilateral statement signed on November 9, 2020,” he said, adding that Armenia is working consistently for the speedy repatriation of the captives and is using all formats and taking advantage of all opportunities to raise and advance the issue.

Mirzoyan recalled that the European Parliament and the parliaments of several countries have adopted resolutions calling for the return of all Armenian captives, and the heads of several states, high-ranking clergymen, cultural figures and artists, parliamentarians, as well as dozens of human rights activists and human rights organizations (Human Rights Watch, Freedom House) have spoken out about the issue.

“The Armenian side has also raised the issue within the scope of the case of Armenia vs Azerbaijan which the United Nations International Court of Justice is examining. I must say that Armenia attaches great importance to this legal procedure,” he said.