Ararat Mirzoyan Discusses Release of Armenian Prisoners of War with Council of Europe Commissioner

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan, held a meeting with the Council of Europe's Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O'Flaherty. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the meeting, the effective cooperation established with the Office of the Commissioner in the areas of human rights protection and the rule of law was emphasized. The discussion also touched upon the progress of democratic reforms in Armenia.

Minister Mirzoyan stressed that despite the challenges and the impact of geopolitical developments in the South Caucasus, the Armenian government remains committed to the reform agenda, utilizing opportunities provided through international mechanisms.

In this context, the discussion addressed Armenia's accession to and the practical application of the Council of Europe conventions, as well as upcoming actions. The Commissioner welcomed the signing of the Oviedo Convention by the Armenian Foreign Minister the day before.

Minister Mirzoyan presented the government's efforts to address the needs and rights of over 100,000 Armenians forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh due to ethnic cleansing by Azerbaijan. Humanitarian issues were also discussed, including the release of Armenian prisoners of war and civilians unlawfully held by Azerbaijan.