Peace and normalization of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations are the only way to resolve the prisoner issue, says Pashinyan

ArmInfo. To resolve the issue of the release of prisoners, we need to strengthen peace. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated this during a speech in Dublin.

He emphasized that the existence of prisoners reflects the atmosphere of hostility. "And if the hostility deepens, this issue will definitely not be resolved," the head of government said.

Pashinyan stated that peace and normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan are the only way to resolve this situation. "This issue has always been and remains on our agenda." We constantly raise this issue during diplomatic contacts and never forget it, continuing to do everything in our power to ensure these people are released from prison," the head of government assured.

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. Today, the Azerbaijani authorities confirm the presence of 19 Armenians in their custody. Among those held in Azerbaijani captivity are eight former and current representatives of the military-political leadership of Artsakh. These are former presidents of Artsakh; Arkady Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, 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, the Baku puppet court sentenced Arayik Harutyunyan, Davit Babayan, Davit Ishkhanyan, Davit Manukyan, and Levon Mnatsakanyan to life imprisonment on trumped-up charges, and Bako Sahakyan, Arkady Ghukasyan, and Ruben Vardanyan to 20 years in prison. The so-called court sentenced the remaining Artsakh residents to up to 15 years in prison.