Ex-ombudsman urges Armenia to link peace deal with Azerbaijan to release of prisoners

Former Artsakh Ombudsman Artak Beglaryan has urged the Armenian leadership to make the conclusion of a peace agreement with Azerbaijan conditional on the release of Armenian prisoners illegally held in Baku.

At a news conference on Monday, Beglaryan, who heads the Union for the Protection of Artsakh People's Interests and Rights NGO, emphasized the importance of addressing the prisoner issue at peace deal negotiations with Azerbaijan.

"Moreover, the release of prisoners should be a firm precondition for signing the agreement, not something that happens afterwards,” he remarked. “Otherwise, it would be impossible to discuss how a peace agreement could be reached while Armenian prisoners are being vengefully prosecuted, with their trials being used to undermine peace and accuse Armenia of certain crimes.”

"We must explore all possible mechanisms. Some may succeed, while others may face resistance from Azerbaijan. Nevertheless, Azerbaijan will be forced to pay a price for it and to invest diplomatic resources," Beglaryan said.

According to the ex-ombudsman, the Armenian government’s strategy, as outlined by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, is clear: "They seek to avoid confrontation with Azerbaijan, including when it comes to demanding the return of the Artsakh people, the protection of cultural heritage, the release of prisoners and other legitimate demands, which comply with the ICJ order in response to Armenia's appeal,” he stated.