Issue of release of Armenian prisoners discussed with Azerbaijani FM  in Egypt - Armenian FM 

ArmInfo.Humanitarian issues, including the release of Armenian prisoners and hostages from Azerbaijan, were on the agenda of the meeting between Armenian and Azerbaijani Foreign Ministers Ararat Mirzoyan and Jeyhun Bayramov in  Egypt. Mirzoyan announced this at a joint press conference with the  OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen.

According to him, while peace has been established within the  framework of the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan and  agreements have been reached on many points, issues remain that  require further resolution and further efforts.

Mirzoyan acknowledged that the release of Armenian prisoners and  hostages held in Baku is a key issue.  "We are working daily in this  area, though it's not always visible. I hope that we will have  positive results on this issue in the future. Yesterday in Sharm  el-Sheikh, I also discussed this issue with my Azerbaijani  counterpart. We hope that we will have results in the foreseeable  future," the minister said.

He also noted that this issue is also on the agenda of Armenia's  contacts with representatives of third countries, especially given  the closure of the Azerbaijani office of the International Committee  of the Red Cross. However, he said that bilateral communication  between Armenia and Azerbaijan on this issue remains a priority.

When asked what exactly he discussed with his Azerbaijani  counterpart, Mirzoyan said, in part: "We had the opportunity to  discuss all the nuances of the settlement process with the head of  the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry. Particular attention was paid to  humanitarian issues."

The exact number of Armenian prisoners of war and hostages held in  Azerbaijani prisons is still unknown.  Experts estimate the number to  be in the hundreds. Today, Azerbaijani authorities confirm the  presence of 23 Armenians in their custody. Among those held captive  by Azerbaijan 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  parliamentary speaker Davit Ishkhanyan; former commander of the  Artsakh Defense Army General Levon Mnatsakanyan; General David  Manukyan; and former state minister Ruben Vardanyan.