Armenia Seeks Third-Party Country to Visit Armenian Prisoners in Baku

Armenia has approached a third, neutral country to organize a consular visit to Armenian prisoners held in Baku and request to see them. This was confirmed to Sputnik Armenia by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia in response to a written inquiry from the media.

The Ministry did not specify which country Armenia has reached out to, but emphasized that such a visit requires the consent of Azerbaijan.

The Ministry also informed Sputnik Armenia that regular meetings are held with representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to discuss the possibility of visiting Armenian individuals held in Baku. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia regularly meets with ICRC representatives and discusses the possibility of visiting them, however, this year, the ICRC has not been granted the relevant permission,” the Ministry noted.

Furthermore, the Ministry indicated that they have not received an official letter from the relatives of the prisoners regarding the organization of a visit to Baku, but they are aware of an open letter sent to the government.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the issue of Armenian individuals held in Azerbaijan remains a priority for the department, with the aim of ensuring their return to their homeland.