Minister of Foreign Affairs and ICRC Representatives Discuss Exchange of Armenian Prisoners and Remains

On December 2, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ara Aivazian met with Martin Shupin, the ICRC Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, Claire Maitro, head of the ICRC delegation completing its mission in Armenia, Thierry Riboy, the newly appointed head of the ICRC delegation in Armenia, and Pascal Hund, head of crisis operations.

The meeting focused on the return of prisoners and hostages held in Azerbaijan, search operations for the missing, and the exchange of remains. In this regard, the parties reaffirmed their readiness to combine efforts to urgently and thoroughly address these priority issues.

The Armenian Foreign Minister expressed his concern about the inhumane and degrading treatment by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces toward Armenian prisoners and civilians, citing numerous cases of torture and retaliation.

The discussion also addressed the humanitarian challenges stemming from Azerbaijani aggression in Artsakh, particularly the assistance to war-affected Armenians in Artsakh, the restoration of infrastructure, and the urgent aid needed for displaced persons returning to Artsakh. Ara Aivazian praised the ICRC's efforts in this direction and reaffirmed the Armenian side's readiness to continue close cooperation to make humanitarian responses more effective.