International Pressure Increases Daily, and I Hope Azerbaijan Understands That This Issue Needs Urgent Resolution: Foreign Minister

If we talk about stability, security, and peace in the region, first and foremost, a climate of trust must be established, and this trust is built upon resolving very important issues, primarily the release of our captives. I believe Azerbaijan must understand that this is a humanitarian issue, and if this issue continues to be exploited, I am confident that it will also become problematic for Azerbaijan.

Foreign Minister Ara Aivazyan stated this during a brief conversation with reporters. When asked whether there are trends in resolving the issue of captives, the minister responded, 'I assure you that there is an inter-agency working group that operates on a daily basis. International pressure is increasing day by day, and I hope that Azerbaijan will understand that this issue needs urgent resolution.'

'Recently, the co-chairs had a meeting, and we will contact them soon, and we expect their upcoming visit to the region,' he added, noting that additional announcements regarding the timing of the visit will be made.

In response to a question regarding the winning side claiming that the issue is closed, the Foreign Minister replied, 'Yesterday, I specifically emphasized that if we talk about stability and peace in the region, there must be a common understanding that the region should not have winners and losers. I believe there is an understanding from all sides that if we talk about peace, it should be a dignified peace.'

Addressing questions regarding the meeting with the Iranian Foreign Minister and communication routes, Aivazyan responded, 'We talked about the opening of communications and what possibilities and challenges may arise in the region under potential operational conditions. No specific project is currently subject to clarification.'

When asked if negotiations are ongoing with Turkey regarding the Kars-Gyumri route, Aivazyan stated that at this moment, no.