Pashinyan says strengthening peace is key to securing release of Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan
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Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan reiterated that his administration consistently works to secure the release of Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan, regularly raising the issue in diplomatic contacts and continuing to do everything within its power to secure their release.
Answering questions from experts at the Institute of International and European Affairs in Dublin, Pashinyan said resolving the issue is linked to strengthening peace and normalizing relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
“The issue of prisoners is one of the important issues in our reality. But to resolve this issue, we need to strengthen peace; otherwise, it will not be resolved. The fact that there are prisoners reflects an atmosphere of hostility. If hostility deepens, it will mean that this issue will certainly not be resolved,” Pashinyan said.
He emphasized that he considers peace and the normalization of bilateral relations the only way to resolve the current situation.
“This issue has always been and remains on our agenda today. We consistently raise this issue in diplomatic contacts. We never forget this issue and will, of course, continue to do everything within our power to ensure that these people are released from prison,” the Prime Minister said.
According to Pashinyan, political leaders also have a responsibility to find opportunities to achieve peace amid prolonged hostility.
Azerbaijan continues to unlawfully hold 19 Armenian prisoners, including former Karabakh leadership figures. They have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms, with some receiving life sentences, on charges widely regarded as fabricated and following what has been described as a sham trial.