OSCE Responds to President's Letter on the Return of All Armenian Prisoners of War and Civilians Held by Azerbaijan

The Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Helga Maria Schmidt, has responded to a letter from the President of the Republic of Armenia, Armen Sarkissian, regarding the urgent return of all Armenian prisoners of war and civilians held by Azerbaijan. This information was reported by the Public Relations Department of the Office of the President of Armenia.

In her response, the OSCE Secretary General noted that she has carefully examined the issues raised by President Sarkissian and presented them to the relevant structures of the OSCE. “I continue to monitor the situation and remain in contact with the co-chairs of the Minsk Group and the personal representative of the current president. I am aware that you have also discussed these issues with the current president, Ann Linde, during her visit to Yerevan in March. The co-chairs of the Minsk Group issued a statement on April 13, 2021, addressing the issues mentioned in your letter. The co-chairs emphasized that additional efforts are necessary to alleviate the existing concerns and to create an atmosphere of mutual trust conducive to long-term peace,” said Helga Maria Schmidt in her letter.

In this context, the co-chairs pointed out the problems related to the return of all prisoners of war and other detained persons in accordance with the provisions of international humanitarian law. They, along with myself and other OSCE officials, will continue to monitor and raise this issue. The OSCE institutions and structures are already closely cooperating with Armenia through the planned activities in all three OSCE dimensions. I hope to develop and further expand this cooperation during my tenure as the OSCE Secretary General,” added Schmidt.