ICRC Supports Parties in Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict to Reach Agreement on Prisoner Exchange

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), as a neutral entity, supports the parties involved in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to reach an agreement on the issue of prisoner exchange, but the decisions are made by the conflicting parties themselves.

In an interview with Armenpress, Zara Amatuni, head of communication programs at the ICRC's Armenia office, responded to the question of when the prisoner exchange will take place and what role the ICRC has in this issue: "When and how it will be implemented will be determined by the parties. We help the parties come to an agreement on this issue, but the proposals, decisions, and timelines are determined by the conflicting parties. The ICRC does not decide anything in this regard," she stated.

According to her, as a neutral mediator, the ICRC's role is to verify the conditions of detention for individuals on each side, obtain information about their health status, and provide opportunities to establish contact with families.

“Since October, with approval from the relevant authority, our organization has continued to visit several individuals, including both civilians and military personnel. There are individuals who are in detention and have the right to maintain contact with their relatives; we are facilitating this connection and monitoring their health status. However, decisions on when these individuals will be returned are made by the conflicting parties, and they determine all types of issues related to this agreement. We assist in facilitating the agreement and mediate as an organization to help them find these solutions,” Amatuni added.