Question: In recent days, there have been statements from Azerbaijan, particularly from the country՚s President and the chief prosecutor, that Armenia refuses to provide information on missing persons. What are your comments on this matter?

Answer: Armenia has always been interested in resolving all humanitarian issues, including determining the fate of missing persons. It should be noted that since the 1990s, the Armenian side has reported about 1008 missing persons. Taking into account the humanitarian aspect of the issue, the Armenian side unilaterally undertook steps to clarify the fate of Azerbaijani missing persons and expressed readiness to cooperate in addressing this problem. Moreover, as a result of cooperation with the representatives of Nagorno-Karabakh, both the remains of missing persons and clear data necessary for revealing their fates have been previously transmitted to the Azerbaijani side.

Armenia's willingness to cooperate on the issue of missing persons is indicated by the fact that the Armenian side agreed to the proposed meeting in the format of state commissions on missing persons from Armenia and Azerbaijan in May 2024. Unfortunately, the meeting did not take place due to the refusal of the Azerbaijani side.

As a consequence of Azerbaijan's military attacks, many individuals have been subjected to enforced disappearance. There are numerous testimonies, including videos and audio recordings, confirming the capture of those individuals. Despite this clear evidence, Azerbaijan continues to deny the capture of these persons and refuses to cooperate with Armenia or with international human rights institutions. One of the vivid examples of such evidence is the letter published on the website of the Office the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on September 27, 2024,  which refers to the case of 23 Armenian servicemen and one civilian who were captured and subjected to forcible disappearance by the Azerbaijani armed forces on October 21, 2020, in Zangilan.

Armenia remains committed to make additional efforts to address all humanitarian issues, including the fate of missing persons.