No Confirmation Regarding Captives from Clashes in Syunik: 24News

“When there is confirmation and visitation, we will certainly provide additional information; at this moment, I cannot say anything.” This was stated to 24News by Zara Amatuni, head of the communication programs of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Armenia, referring to the Armenian soldiers captured as a result of Armenian-Azerbaijani clashes that broke out in the Sisian community of Syunik province on November 16.

On November 16, units of the Azerbaijani armed forces launched an attack on positions located along Armenia's eastern border. According to the Ministry of Defense's statement on November 17, the Armenian side has 1 killed and 13 captured soldiers. “Contact with another 24 soldiers was lost during the combat operations, and their fate is currently unknown,” the statement said.

Zara Amatuni emphasized that they are carefully and diligently working with the relevant authorities and families who have reached out to them. “We are in dialogue with the involved parties and the relevant authorities regarding the current situation. Our doors are always open for families, and we are in touch with many of those families that reach out to us. As for the process, we are closely monitoring all publications, and information is also being relayed by officials. However, regarding the substantive details of what stage things are at, I cannot say at this moment because we are trying to clarify various issues with the circumstances, and once we receive answers, we will provide more specific information. According to our approach, we became involved from the very first moment. We have an office in Goris, if you know,” she highlighted.

She noted that representatives of the organization visited individuals captured or detained during the 44-day war back in October. “We also met with families who shared their video messages. Visits with families provide an opportunity for us to maintain regular contact between families and the captured individuals. We provide the recorded messages from family members to those who are captive, and when we visit, we relay their recorded messages to the families,” concluded Zara Amatuni.

Lawyers Artak Zeynalanyan and Siranush Sahakyan are representing the interests of Armenian captives in the European Court of Human Rights who were taken during the 44-day war. Former Minister of Justice Artak Zeynalanyan stated that the relatives of the Armenian soldiers captured on November 16 have already approached them. “We are conducting studies, and I think we will also appeal to the European Court,” said the lawyer.

When asked how many captives they had inquiries about, Zeynalanyan replied, “At this moment, I cannot say; it is still being clarified.”