ARMENIAN-CAPTURED SAMIR MAMMADOV’S PARENTS HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE

Azeri Press Agency
Aug 22 2007
Azerbaijan

Armenian-captured Azerbaijani soldier Samir Mammadov’s parents today
held a press conference, APA reports.

Captured soldier’s father stated that they wrote more than 20 letters
since December 24, 2006, but they received only 5 response letters
through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Mammadov
said that they do not believe in the information the ICRC tells them.

"Coordinator of the ICRC representation in Azerbaijan Susanna Lopes
tries to convince us that Samir writes the letter. But it is not
Samir’s handwriting. Because Samir was taught Latin in secondary
schools, he could not write Cyril. On the other hand, we are sure
that Samir’s physical health is bad. ICRC recommends us that they
quote their Yerevan representation," he said.

Captured soldier’s mother Tarana Mammadova said that they were not
allowed to write their heart-felt words in the letter.

"They did not allow me to write him that "We are waiting for you".

ICRC called it a means of influence and they told us, "You are trying
to take Samir to Azerbaijan with these words. He has right of making
his own decision," she said.

The parents said that they will have meeting in the Working Group of
State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons
and Azerbaijani Ombudsman’s Office today.

The press service of the ICRC representation in Azerbaijan told the
APA the captured soldier’s parents visited the organization today.

The officials of the organization clarified the issues concerning
them. The parents were also informed about ICRC’s mandate. The
captured soldier’s parents were informed that they met Samir Mammadov
on August 14 for the last time and monitored his health and detention
condition.