Azerbaijan Continues to Hold Armenian Prisoners of War and Civilians, Says Mirzoyan

On October 18, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan received the head of the Council of Europe (CoE) delegation on democracy issues, Ambassador Martin Ehnborg, who is also Sweden's permanent representative to the CoE, along with a delegation that included ambassadors from France, Russia, Switzerland, Finland, Estonia, Andorra, Iceland, and representatives from the CoE Secretariat.

Minister Mirzoyan and Ambassador Ehnborg expressed satisfaction regarding the established multifaceted cooperation between Armenia and the CoE and expressed confidence that effective cooperation will further develop.

Ararat Mirzoyan emphasized the fundamental role of the CoE's support for democratic reforms in Armenia, ensuring the rule of law, and protecting human rights. In this context, the implementation of the CoE-Armenia Action Plan for 2019-2022 was highlighted.

Addressing the situation created by Azerbaijan's aggression against Artsakh, which involved gross human rights violations, the minister praised the statements and calls for cessation of hostilities made by various CoE bodies from the very first days of the war. In the context of overcoming the humanitarian crisis in Artsakh, the head of the Armenian foreign policy emphasized the importance of the unhindered involvement of international organizations, including competent CoE bodies.

Ararat Mirzoyan stated that Azerbaijan continues to hold Armenian prisoners of war and civilians, which constitutes a gross violation of international humanitarian law and obligations assumed under the trilateral statement.