Public Radio of Armenia
April 30 2021


Armenian President urges ICRC to take all measures to ensure the
immediate release of POWs



President Armen Sarkissian sent a letter to the President of the
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Peter Maurer,
anticipating the Committee’s assistance in ensuring the soonest return
of Armenian prisoners of war and civilians held by Azerbaijan.

In the letter, President Sarkissian particularly emphasized that
during the war unleashed by Azerbaijan against Artsakh, with the
active support and direct participation of Turkey, and after the
cessation of hostilities several hundred Armenian servicemen and
civilians were captured, tortured and inhumanely treated by
Azerbaijan.

“Addressing the humanitarian situation in Artsakh today is a priority,
urgent attention is required from the international community. The
international community, all the countries of the OSCE Minsk Group,
international organizations, individuals must give an adequate
assessment to the actions of Azerbaijan,” the President emphasized.

He reminded that in line with the trilateral statement on the
ceasefire of November 9, 2020, the Republic of Armenia has transferred
all prisoners of war to Azerbaijan. “However, it is extremely
important that the exchange of all prisoners of war or civilians be
carried out under the “all for all” principle, which is ignored by
Azerbaijan.

“In gross violation of human rights and international humanitarian
law, Azerbaijan hides the true number of Armenian prisoners of war and
continues to deny and prevent the return of hostages and prisoners of
war,” said President Sarkissian, addign that “Armenia expects support
from international partners in ensuring the immediate return of all
prisoners.”

He urged the International Committee of the Red Cross to take all
necessary measures in accordance with international humanitarian law
to ensure the immediate release and safe return of prisoners of war.