Azerbaijan Seeks Justification in Hostage Situation by Promoting Fake Agenda on Minefield Maps, Says Foreign Ministry Spokesperson

The Azerbaijani side is attempting to create justifications for not returning Armenian military captives and civilians by promoting a false agenda regarding the maps of minefields. This was stated by Anna Naghdalyan, the spokesperson for the Armenian Foreign Ministry, in response to accusations from Azerbaijani authorities that the Armenian side has not provided maps of the minefields located in territories under Azerbaijan's control.

She reminded that Azerbaijani authorities are grossly violating their commitments under international humanitarian law and the provisions of the statement issued on November 9, 2020, to repatriate still captive Armenian military personnel and civilians.

“In response to international pressure on this issue, the Azerbaijani side is trying to establish justifications by pushing forward a false agenda regarding the minefield maps. This is evidenced by the fact that the issue has only been raised publicly by Azerbaijani officials,” she stated.

Naghdalyan recalled that throughout the conflict, the Azerbaijani side has not only refrained from proposing cooperation on mine clearance but has also made every effort to undermine the implementation of mine clearance programs in Armenia and Artsakh.

“It is enough to remember that in 2016, Azerbaijan blocked the extension of the OSCE Yerevan office's mandate under the pretext of supporting mine clearance programs, which led to the closure of the OSCE's field mission in Armenia,” she noted.

Naghdalyan urged Azerbaijani authorities to refrain from such practices of misleading the international community and to take effective steps to fulfill their obligations under the trilateral statement of November 9 and the requirements of international humanitarian law, which stipulate the immediate and unconditional release and repatriation of all captives and persons held hostage.