Why We Returned an Azerbaijani Soldier Without Any Prisoner in Exchange: A Question for Pashinyan

Why did we return an Azerbaijani soldier without any prisoner in exchange? This question was directed at Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan during a press conference.

According to the Prime Minister, there has been an agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan stating that soldiers who accidentally find themselves on the opposing side will be returned shortly thereafter. This agreement has been violated at some point.

“In recent discussions, we reiterated with the President of Azerbaijan that if there is a case of confusion, it should be determined through investigation whether the person crossed over intentionally or as a result of confusion,” he said.

He stated that the Armenian side conducted an investigation and found that the Azerbaijani soldier ended up on the Armenian side due to confusion and that he did not commit any other crime on Armenian territory.

“The fact that the investigative bodies of Armenia conducted an investigation and reached an objective and exculpatory conclusion regarding an Azerbaijani citizen further attests to the results of institutional reforms in Armenia and the democratic essence of the Republic of Armenia,” said Nikol Pashinyan.