If Not Interfered, I Think Russia Will Return Prisoners Home in the Shortest Time Possible: Boris Avagyan

Following his participation in a discussion regarding the return of Armenian prisoners of war last week, the former deputy director of the State Service of the Republic of Artsakh, Boris Avagyan, was dismissed from his position and subsequently invited for questioning by the National Security Service. He specifically stated that he does not accept the position expressed by several members of the ruling 'My Step' faction of the National Assembly, claiming that responsibility for the return of the prisoners lies with the Russian side. Mr. Avagyan also mentioned that he was not surprised when a plane traveling to Baku returned empty. According to him, that visit was a working one and was not connected to the return of prisoners.

Immediately after his dismissal, information circulated on the internet that the former official was awarded a colonel's rank after the war, but the reasons for such an honor remain unclear. The newspaper 'Iravunk' tried to obtain answers to these questions from the former official, Colonel Boris Avagyan, who, addressing the circulating information, first noted:

- The functions that I implemented during and after the war, I do not intend to present to the press. Because it would be considered self-promotion. Let political figures engage in self-promotion. Those who have thanked me for my work have seen what I’ve done, and for that, I am also thankful.

- It is said that after the war, you were awarded the rank of colonel.

- The news circulating in the press should be substantiated; there are numerous reports circulating in the media today.

- Can you specifically comment on receiving the rank of colonel?

- What should I comment? When and for what service did you receive the rank of colonel?

- This rank is reflected in my military record.

- Did you receive that rank after the war?

- You know, my career is not confined to only Armenia and Artsakh. I returned to Armenia after 2018. I have traveled through South Ossetia and many other places. Therefore, I think these commentaries are unnecessary. I participated actively in the war, as well as in matters thereafter.

- You mentioned that you were an active participant in the war. Why did we face the situation we have in the war?

- I will express my opinion when all the captured boys have returned home. Only then will I present the truth from all sides.

- Do you have concrete information on how many boys are captured in Azerbaijan?

- We do, but I cannot disclose that information because I do not have such authority.

- Is the Republic of Armenia utilizing all available resources aimed at the return of prisoners today?

- The Russian Federation, as well as the commander of the Russian peacekeeping forces in Artsakh, are doing everything possible to facilitate the return of the prisoners. If they are not hindered or obstructed, I believe that the RF will return the boys home in the shortest possible time. The efforts of the RF are our only hope for the boys to return.

He added, “If we consider the war, we will also discuss the actions of Azerbaijan, but having such a number of captured boys in Baku, I think public discussions are unnecessary. I urge everyone to refrain from public discussions regarding the war until the return of the prisoners. Let everyone take it upon themselves; imagine your child is sitting in Baku while some people gather to analyze the war.

- You mentioned the efforts by the RF; what are the authorities of Armenia and Artsakh doing?

- I am not informed by the authorities of Armenia regarding what they are doing.

- Mr. Avagyan, are you currently experiencing any pressure?

- It is impossible to exert pressure on me. There is no such structure, there is no such person who could try to pressure me.

- But you were invited to the NSS, how did that situation end?

- It was merely at the invitation level, because when I arrived there, the necessity for a meeting with me had already disappeared.

- What activities are you currently engaged in?

- I am engaged in the activities I have always been involved with. I am making efforts toward the return of the prisoners.