Russia's Foreign Ministry: We Must Complete the Exchange of Detainees on the Principle of All for All

The official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, emphasized the importance of returning all detained individuals and noted that Russia is doing everything possible in this direction.

“We welcome the transfer of 8 Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijan to the Armenian side, and of course, it is vital to resolve this controversial issue in Armenian-Azerbaijani relations as soon as possible, to complete the exchange of detainees on the principle of all for all,” said Zakharova during a weekly briefing.

She reminded that under the mediation of Russian peacekeepers, a total of 146 people have been returned as of December 2, 2020, 127 to the Armenian side and 19 to the Azerbaijani side.

“We consider it important to simultaneously exert efforts to clarify the fate of the missing, and we will support this both at the national level and as co-chairs,” the diplomat added.

Zakharova noted that “Russia has done, is doing, and will do everything to ensure the return of detained individuals. This issue is a priority. We understand the essence and urgency of the matter,” Zakharova emphasized.

Addressing the preservation of Armenian cultural heritage in the areas under Baku’s control in Artsakh, the diplomat noted that there is regular communication on this issue between Baku and Yerevan. “And we are in favor of the prompt launch of UNESCO's mission in the region,” stated the representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry.