Return of Armenian Prisoners Always Under Russia's Attention, Says Russian Ambassador

The issue of the return of Armenian prisoners located in Azerbaijan is always under the attention of Russia. Russian Ambassador to Armenia Sergey Kopirkin stated this to reporters today, June 22, at the Victory Park.

“Russia has always done and continues to do everything possible to ensure the return of prisoners and advance the process in this direction. General Muradov, the commander of the peacekeeping forces, plays a significant role here. This issue is also being addressed by the President of Russia, the Minister of Defense, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs. However, it is not easy, and solving this problem requires considerable effort,” emphasized the Russian diplomat.

Ambassador Kopirkin found it difficult to say whether the completion of the recent political process in Armenia, namely the snap parliamentary elections, would activate the process of returning prisoners, but he once again highlighted that the issue remains under Russia's constant attention and that work in this direction will continue.

Regarding the return of 15 Armenian prisoners last week through the mediation of the United States and the authorities of Georgia, the Russian ambassador stated that Moscow welcomed this step, adding that he believes this exchange would not have taken place without the preparatory and very tangible work of the Russian side and Russian peacekeepers.