'Real and lasting peace is impossible without justice,' Armenian politician tells European leaders

President of the Country to Live party Mane Tandilyan on Thursday issued a statement regarding letters addressed to the leaders of European countries. He full statement is provided below.

"Ahead of the European Political Community Summit in Yerevan, I have appealed to the leaders of European countries, drawing their attention to the issue of the at least 19 Armenian prisoners held in Baku. This is not only a humanitarian issue, but also a serious challenge to justice and the prospects for sustainable peace in our region.

Following the forced displacement of Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh, we continue to witness deeply worrying developments: the illegal detention of prisoners, the restriction of their fundamental rights, as well as the systematic destruction of Armenian cultural heritage.

In these circumstances, I have appealed to my European partners, calling on them to use their influence to

raise this issue clearly and consistently on diplomatic platforms,

guarantee international humanitarian access,

ensure the immediate release of the Armenian prisoners.

Armenia remains committed to the peace agenda. However, real and lasting peace is not possible without justice.

The return of the prisoners is not only a humanitarian step, but also a necessary prerequisite for the restoration of trust and sustainable peace."