Veronika Zonabend sent an open letter to the Secretary of the Armenian Security Council.

ArmInfo. Veronika Zonabend, wife of former Artsakh State Minister and philanthropist Ruben Vardanyan, addressed an open letter to Secretary of the Armenian Security Council Alen Simonyan, asking to be included in a possible trip to Baku.

She noted that she learned of Simonyan's possible visit to Baku from media reports. In this regard, Zonabend welcomed the Security Council Secretary's readiness for such a trip, expressing hope that it will open up additional opportunities for resolving humanitarian issues related to Armenian prisoners and their families.

You previously emphasized: "On the path to achieving peace, resolving all humanitarian issues is vital, and in this context, the immediate and safe return of Armenian prisoners is of paramount importance." I share this position. I am ready to go to Baku with you. "I know that other prisoners' families share a similar desire. I ask that you consider our participation in the trip, if it takes place, and facilitate meetings with our loved ones," Vardanyan's wife wrote.

In this regard, she inquired whether a visit to Armenian prisoners is planned and whether there is a willingness to meet with their families to hear their requests and accept letters for delivery to the prisoners.

It should be noted that the exact number of Armenian prisoners of war and hostages held in Azerbaijani prisons is still unknown. Experts estimate there are several hundred. The Azerbaijani authorities confirm the presence of 19 Armenians. Among those held in Azerbaijani captivity are eight former and current representatives of the military-political leadership of Artsakh. These include former presidents of Artsakh Arkady Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Arayik Harutyunyan, former Foreign Minister David Babayan, as well as Speaker of the Parliament David Ishkhanyan, former Commander of the Artsakh Defense Army, General Levon Mnatsakanyan, General David Manukyan, and former State Minister Ruben Vardanyan. On February 5, a Baku puppet court sentenced Arayik Harutyunyan, David Babayan, David Ishkhanyan, David Manukyan, and Levon Mnatsakanyan to life imprisonment, and Bako Sahakyan and Arkady Ghukasyan 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. Ruben Vardanyan, whose case was separated into separate proceedings, was sentenced to 20 years in prison. As a reminder, on August 1, Veronika Zonabend, the wife of former Artsakh State Minister Ruben Vardanyan, issued a repeated appeal to the Azerbaijani Ombudsman and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, calling for assistance in organizing a women's humanitarian mission to visit Armenian prisoners of war held in Azerbaijani prisons.