Armen Grigoryan Discusses the Return of Armenian Prisoners from Azerbaijan

The return of Armenian prisoners from Azerbaijan has been and remains a priority on the agenda of the Armenian authorities. This statement was made by the Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia, Armen Grigoryan, during a conversation with reporters. He responded to a question regarding the feasibility of signing a peace agreement without the return of prisoners, including representatives of the military-political leadership of Artsakh.

Grigoryan emphasized that the issue of prisoners is continuously discussed with the Azerbaijani side and international partners, and intensive work is being conducted in this direction. He noted, “I think it is not right to link the issue of signing the peace treaty with the return of prisoners, because, in our opinion, they should return to Armenia as soon as possible. It would be appropriate for us to continue working in that direction (regarding the signing of the peace treaty) so that the prisoners return as soon as possible. Establishing peace means the return of prisoners. We need to work so that the establishment of peace is comprehensive and inclusive of all aspects.”

According to official data, there are currently 23 Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan, 17 of whom were captured as a result of the aggression in 2023. In addition to ordinary citizens, three former presidents of the Republic of Artsakh are also imprisoned in Azerbaijan: Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, and Arayik Harutyunyan, along with former State Minister Ruben Vardanyan, former Assistant to the Defense Army Commander David Manukyan, former Commander of the Defense Army Levon Mnatsakanyan, and former Foreign Minister David Babayan.