Shortcomings in Captives Issue Are on the Diplomatic Front: Karen Hovhannisyan

Information has circulated that two Azerbaijanis were detained in the Syunik region, and 16 sick Azerbaijanis have been returned by the Russian side in the territory of the village of Vank in the Artsakh Republic. This raises the question of how it is possible that Azerbaijanis detained on the territory of the Republic of Armenia are being returned, but Armenian prisoners of war are not being exchanged or returned. These are issues connected to organizational or diplomatic capabilities that have not been resolved.

Military expert Karen Hovhannisyan stated in an interview with Tert.am, addressing the shortcomings that have arisen since the ceasefire. According to him, shortcomings regarding captives are present on the diplomatic front, and it seems that the issue of captives has not been a top priority for our governance system, as evidenced by the signed document which does not contain specific deadlines for the return of captives but mentions the transfer of territories.

In the military expert's view, one of the greatest shortcomings is that we are unable to reach international platforms to compel international organizations to make Azerbaijan return the captives.

Regarding the fact that Azerbaijan and Turkey are conducting joint military exercises, Hovhannisyan was asked when the Armenian side would conduct exercises. He stated that he is unaware if exercises are being prepared, but in his opinion, large-scale exercises are not appropriate at this time. However, it is essential to carry out training exercises, which seem to be taking place. "I must emphasize that I am not particularly in favor of conducting exercises solely on our side; there should at least be a joint exercise, similar to the Turkish-Azerbaijani exercises, and we should conduct joint exercises with our strategic partner as well," said Hovhannisyan.

Addressing the issue of security in border communities and roads, Hovhannisyan noted that there is confidence in Artsakh, as this issue seems to have been resolved at the moment. However, due to new realities after the war, residents along the border of the Republic of Armenia are in an atmosphere of fear due to sporadic gunfire occurring from time to time. "In general, the gestures of the Azerbaijani border guards and military personnel at the borders where they are visible provide a significant cause for concern regarding the safety of residents in these regions. And it should be noted that nothing will change in this regard since very strategically significant positions remain in the hands of the enemy, and we can only speak of security after their removal from those positions," he added.

Regarding the future activities of the Artsakh Defense Army, Hovhannisyan mentioned, "It is expected that Azerbaijan's demand will be for the Republic of Artsakh to have no regular army or at least a military formation by the name of a defense army. I think this has been Azerbaijan's demand throughout the conflict, and after the war, this demand will persist. The question is how we will be able to withstand these demands. The reason for all this is that we are the defeated side, and another reason is that we lack the diplomatic potential and will to carry the defeat with dignity, rather than continuously concede on issues regarding captives and those of strategic importance. I believe these are simply the results of a diplomatic corps or government actions that lack diplomatic and organizational capabilities."