The Issue of Prisoners is on the Foreign Ministry's Agenda, but Actions Are Unsatisfactory: Hovhannisyan

The issue of Armenian prisoners held in Baku is on the agenda of the Armenian Foreign Ministry, but the specific actions being taken are unsatisfactory. This was stated by Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Paruyr Hovhannisyan in response to a question from Armenian National Assembly member Armen Gevorgyan regarding whether the Foreign Ministry has had the opportunity to raise the issue of Armenian prisoners of war held in Baku during its work with the EU or through other channels.

“In the context of these proceedings, what specific steps can the EU take to ensure that the Azerbaijani authorities return to fulfilling their internationally recognized obligations?” asked Gevorgyan.

In response, Hovhannisyan noted that not only recently but always, every official of the Foreign Ministry keeps this issue on the agenda during every event and contact with the EU. “The specific actions and steps, to say that they are satisfactory for us, are not, but we must continue the work. As you know, diplomacy has closed and behind-the-scenes processes, and in that regard, work continues both with Brussels and with the member countries,” Hovhannisyan stated.

It is worth recalling that at present, 23 prisoners sanctioned by Baku are being held in Azerbaijan.