Russian Side Begins Addressing the Issue of Prisoners of War and Returning Bodies of the Fallen, Inspiring Hope: Abrahamyan

On November 9, the 8th point of the joint statement signed by the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia addresses the issue of returning prisoners of war and the bodies of those killed. This was reported on Facebook by Tigran Abrahamyan, a former advisor to the President of Artsakh.

He specifically noted, “Two questions arise. Why is there no timeline set for this provision, as in the case of the handover of Akna (Aghdam), Shahumyan, and Kashatagh? Because there is a specific timeline even for the construction of a new highway bypassing Berdzor, Stepanakert, and Shushi, yet the issue of prisoners of war has been regarded as tertiary. Secondly, why has there been no proper negotiation regarding the implementation of this unique provision in the statement, and essentially, the Armenian side, with precision, has been handing over the regions of Artsakh to Azerbaijan one after another, while issues related to our servicemen (those captured) who fought for the defense of our country and the bodies of the fallen have only recently become a subject of discussion, and even then—after a significant number of gatherings and a wave of criticism.

I have said it once, I will say it again—this government and personally Pashinyan do not value the homeland or the Armenian people, because only such a person can disregard the loss of the homeland and our servicemen. The only optimistic circumstance is that as far as I understand, the Russian side has begun to address the issue, which inspires hope that there will finally be progress on this matter.”