ICRC VISITS ARMENIAN POW IN AZERBAIJAN

11:45 * 31.03.15

Representatives of the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC)
mission on Monday visited the Armenian contract serviceman who is
being held as a captive Azerbaijan after crossing into the country,
says a spokesperson.

“[Andranik Grigoryan] has given information about himself and his
family,” Zara Amatuni, Communication Manager at the ICRC Office in
Yerevan, told our correspondent.

Commenting on Grigoryan’s act, Armenia’s Minister of Defense Seyran
Ohanyan earlier recommended searching for motives unrelated to
service. He cited family problems as a possible reason that might have
pushed the serviceman to cross into the adversary’s territory. The
minister ruled out the possibility of kidnapping by Azerbaijani
saboteurs.

Asked whether Grigoryan has made any statement to explain his reasons,
the ICRC spokesperson replied. “We do not normally disclose details
of either conversations with a hostage or any information conveyed
to him or her.”

She also refrained from giving details as to whether Grigoryan looked
beaten or tortured. Amatuni said that information of the kind is
kept confidential.