ArmInfo.For the successful implementation of the "Trump route" (TRIPP) project, it is necessary for Azerbaijan to withdraw its armed forces from the sovereign territory of Armenia and release illegally held Armenian prisoners of war. Arman Tatoyan, prime ministerial candidate for the Wings of Unity party, made this public appeal to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in connection with the American official's upcoming visit to Yerevan today.
"I would like to congratulate you on the upcoming signing of the Trump Triangle Pipeline (TRIPP) agreement between Armenia and the United States. I fully support the TRIPP agreement and, as Prime Minister of Armenia, I stand ready to work closely with your administration to ensure its full and effective implementation," Tatoyan said in an open letter to Rubio, published on his Facebook page.
However, first, the party leader urged Rubio to address a number of important issues of importance to Armenian citizens. "US President Donald Trump called 46th US President Joe Biden 'sad, weak, and stupid,' and I attribute these same words to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who is too 'sad, weak, and stupid' to raise these important issues with you in a meeting. The reality is that for the TRIPP project to be successfully implemented, Azerbaijan must withdraw its forces from sovereign Armenian territory and release the illegally held Armenian prisoners of war. I am confident that working with you will help establish long-term peace in our region," the politician concluded.
As a reminder, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will arrive in Armenia on May 26. During the visit, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Rubio will meet, after which the ministers will deliver a press statement.
The exact number of Armenian prisoners of war and hostages held in Azerbaijani prisons is still unknown. Experts estimate the number to be several hundred. Today, Azerbaijani authorities confirm the presence of 19 Armenians in their custody. Among those held in Azerbaijani captivity are eight former and current members of the military-political leadership of Artsakh. These include former Artsakh presidents Arkady Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, and Arayik Harutyunyan; former Foreign Minister Davit Babayan; as well as Parliament Speaker Davit Ishkhanyan; former Commander of the Artsakh Defense Army General Levon Mnatsakanyan; General David Manukyan; and former State Minister Ruben Vardanyan.
In February, a Baku puppet court sentenced Arayik Harutyunyan, David Babayan, David Ishkhanyan, David Manukyan, and Levon Mnatsakanyan to life imprisonment, and Bako Sahakyan, Arkady Ghukasyan, and Ruben Vardanyan to 20 years in prison on trumped-up charges. The so-called court sentenced the remaining Artsakh residents to up to 15 years in prison.
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