On October 21 Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian received Patrick Vial, ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross) Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia.

Welcoming the guest and wishing success in his responsible mission, Minister Nalbandian outlined, that Armenia highly appreciates the Organization’s efficient humanitarian activities in Armenia, and at the same time reassured of the Armenian side’s readiness to closely cooperate with the Organization and fully contribute to its efforts to prevent humanitarian catastrophes.

Expressing gratitude for the reception, Patrick Vial, ICRC Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, presented purposes and results of his regional visit, impressions from meetings in Baku and Stepanakert. He mentioned that the Organization would continue adhering to its neutral humanitarian mission.

Reflecting on the efforts and initiatives of the OSCE Minsk group Co-Chairs on strengthening of cease-fire regime in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone, Foreign Minister of Armenia noted that Baku takes all the responsibility for the escalation of the situation by rejecting the Co-Chairs’ proposals.

Edward Nalbandian positively assessed the ICRC activities on investigation of the fates of persons missing as a result of conflict. In this context, FM of Armenia stressed, “Baku’s attempts to politicize and manipulate purely humanitarian issues and cooperation on them reveal Azerbaijani side’s disrespectful attitude to the casualties and missing persons.”

ICRC Regional Director commended Armenia’s constructive cooperation in the investigation of the fate of missing persons.