Artak Beglaryan, former State Minister and Human Rights Defender of Artsakh, and current president of the "Union for the Protection of the Rights and Interests of the People of Artsakh" NGO, has declared that the issue of releasing Armenian captives held in Baku should be a daily priority on the diplomatic agenda of the Armenian authorities. He made this statement during a press conference organized by the Media Center on the topic "What measures can the RA authorities take for the freedom of Armenians held in Baku," as reported by Aysor.am.
"Moreover, in negotiations with Azerbaijan regarding the so-called draft Peace Agreement, this issue should be clearly addressed. Furthermore, it should be one of the points of the agreement that the captives are released, and not after the agreement is signed, but as a clear precondition for signing the agreement. Otherwise, it is impossible to discuss. How can a peace agreement be signed if Armenian captives are vindictively sentenced in the context of this conflict, and such trials are used as a tool to torpedo peace or to accuse the Republic of Armenia of certain crimes?" Beglaryan stated.
He emphasized the necessity of employing all possible mechanisms—from Moscow's mediation efforts to OSCE proposals, steps through the ICRC, as well as the support of consular services of third countries.
"We must try all possibilities; some may succeed, some may be clearly blocked by the Azerbaijani side, but nevertheless, Azerbaijan will have to pay a price for that, applying appropriate diplomatic resources," he said.
Beglaryan added that the RA's strategy is clear, and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has already expressed it.
"He has said that they do not want to enter into a confrontational mood with Azerbaijan, including in demanding the return of the people of Artsakh, in the issue of protecting cultural heritage, in the issue of returning captives, and in many other demands that stem from the RA's application to the International Court of Justice," he noted.
*Azerbaijan has officially confirmed the presence of 23 Armenian captives, including former Presidents of Nagorno-Karabakh Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Arayik Harutyunyan, former State Minister Ruben Vardanyan, former Commander of the Defense Army Levon Mnatsakanyan, former Deputy Commander of the Defense Army Davit Manukyan, and former Foreign Minister Davit Babayan. Azerbaijan has illegally detained them, presenting false accusations.*
