Meeting Held on Issues of Detainees, Hostages, and Missing Persons

On March 12, 2024, a meeting of the interagency commission dealing with issues of detainees, hostages, and missing persons was held under the leadership of A. Abazyan, the director of the National Security Service of Armenia. In addition to the commission members, MP Vilen Gabrielyan and Arsen Ghukasyan, who represents the interests of the parents of missing persons, were also present. This information was reported by the NSS of Armenia.

During the meeting, Commission President A. Abazyan emphasized the need to reassess future actions and priorities, particularly stressing the importance of negotiating with the relevant Azerbaijani authorities, taking into account the parties' statements regarding their willingness to cooperate.

The ongoing preliminary investigation into the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of missing persons at the Investigative Committee of Armenia was also discussed. Representatives of the Investigative Committee provided information about the progress of the investigation.

The necessity of maintaining a constant informational connection between the commission and family members was highlighted. It was noted that the commission and the accompanying working group will continue to work with parents and relatives, accept applications regarding pressing issues, and organize receptions, as the protection of parents' right to be informed is an inseparable principle of the commission's activities.

Collaboration with international governmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as the Armenian delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross concerning the ongoing negotiations for the return of captured servicemen and civilians, was also discussed during the meeting.

Various issues concerning the parents of missing persons were raised, leading to discussions and suggestions for possible solutions.