SECURITY MINISTER URGES ICRC ON THE CAPTIVE SOLDIER’S CASE

Today, Azerbaijan
April 17 2007

Head of the State Commission for prisoners of war, hostages and
missing persons, National Security Minister Eldar Mahmudov met with
Martin Amasher, head of the International Committee of Red Cross
(ICRC) office in Azerbaijan.

He raised a question on Azerbaijani soldier Samir Mammadov, who was
captured by Armenian forces, the commission told the APA.

Eldar Mahmudov said Samir Mammadov was captured on December 24, 2006
and since then Armenian officials spread groundless information that
Azerbaijan soldier does not want to return home. It is the visual
example of violation of international humanitarian law principles by
Armenia. The Minister said he applied to ICRC and other international
organizations to free Azerbaijan soldier and regretted that positive
result has not been achieved until. He called ICRC to enhance its
activity on this way.

The meeting also stressed 4,504 Azerbaijanis are still missing due
to the Karabakh conflict and emphasized needs for the new ways of the
settlement of conflict. From this point of view, he appreciated ICRC
promoted "Ante Mortem" plan.

Martin Amasher said ICRC will continue effective cooperation with
the State Commission regarding prisoners of war and missing persons.

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From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress