Staged Trials Are Taking Place: Mirzoyan Talks About Prisoners

Today, more than ever, Armenia and Azerbaijan are close to signing a peace treaty. This was stated by Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan during a speech at the Indian Council on Global Affairs in India, emphasizing that, unfortunately, it is difficult to say that the constructive approach of the Armenian side is fully reciprocated by Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan continues to make public statements at a high level that imply territorial claims against the sovereign Republic of Armenia, including through the so-called narrative of “Western Azerbaijan.” Mirzoyan also spoke about prisoners.

“While we talk here, staged trials are taking place in Azerbaijan against 23 Armenians who are arbitrarily detained, ignoring human rights standards and proper judicial processes. To achieve comprehensive resolution and lasting peace, it is essential to prepare societies for reconciliation. Unresolved humanitarian issues can only hinder this process,” said Mirzoyan.

In the context of peace, Mirzoyan quoted Mahatma Gandhi’s famous message: “There is no way to peace; peace is the way.” He also discussed the process of normalizing relations with Turkey.

“Armenia is also engaged in the process of normalizing relations with Turkey. We are confident that complete normalization, especially the establishment of diplomatic relations and the opening of borders at this moment, will significantly contribute to regional peace and stability. We continue this dialogue and have taken practical steps,” he said.

The majority of his speech focused on the centuries-old Armenian-Indian relations, their current state, and prospects for development and deepening. The head of Armenia's foreign affairs agency stressed that the comprehensive deepening of partnership with India is a priority for Armenia's foreign policy, and the country views this relationship from a long-term perspective.

“Through joint efforts and decisive commitment, we have achieved very concrete results in various areas of mutual interest, including economy, security and defense, information technologies, education, and culture,” said the minister. Mirzoyan emphasized the expanding cooperation in security and defense, addressing economic activity. He highlighted that Armenia and India can establish mutually beneficial cooperation in all sectors. According to him, high technology, IT, education, science, tourism, aviation, logistics, and pharmaceuticals are particularly promising areas for cooperation. In this context, he emphasized the establishment of direct air connections between the two countries, for which work is ongoing.

The foreign minister also stressed that Armenia actively cooperates with India on international platforms, as our countries share similar approaches on a number of regional and global issues.