Armenia is ready to agree with Azerbaijan on the dates and place of signing the peace treaty – NA Speaker
YEREVAN, March 21. /ARKA/. Armenia is ready to agree with Azerbaijan on the dates and place for signing the peace treaty, said the Chairman of the Armenian National Assembly, Alen Simonyan.
"We hope that Azerbaijan shares our desire to enter a new era," Simonyan said, speaking at the forum of parliamentary speakers on the topic "Defense of Democracy."
He reminded that Armenia and Azerbaijan have fully agreed on the text of the peace treaty. "We welcome this progress and believe that peaceful coexistence and regional cooperation are the best guarantees for security and prosperity. Our 'Crossroads of Peace' initiative aims to resume regional communications and promote economic development based on mutual respect and sovereignty," Simonyan stated.
However, he noted that humanitarian issues remain unresolved. "Armenian prisoners of war and civilians in Azerbaijan are being subjected to prolonged detention, inhumane treatment, and sham trials. The immediate release of prisoners is a priority," Simonyan emphasized.
He expressed concern over Azerbaijan's recent false claims about alleged military actions by Armenia, which are exacerbating the situation on the border.
"In this context, we emphasize the importance of confidence-building measures, such as the EU civilian mission and arms control mechanisms. Most of the issues that need to be resolved are either already included in the peace treaty or are being addressed within the framework of the working group established under it," the Chairman of the Armenian National Assembly said.
On Armenian prisoners of war in Baku
Azerbaijan officially acknowledges holding only 33 Armenian prisoners of war and civilians, but Armenian human rights activists report an additional 80 Armenian detainees.
On January 17, a so-called trial began in Baku for 15 Armenian prisoners of war. Among them are former State Minister of Artsakh Ruben Vardanyan, former Presidents of the Republic Bako Sahakyan, Arkady Ghukasyan, and Arayik Harutyunyan, former Speaker of the Parliament David Ishkhanyan, former Foreign Minister and former Assistant to the President of NKR David Babayan, former Commander of the Defense Army Levon Mnatsakanyan, and former Deputy Commander of the Defense Army of Artsakh David Manukyan.
On February 28, the Armenian Foreign Ministry issued a statement expressing concern about publications related to the "trials" of 23 Armenian prisoners, as well as information released by their lawyers, including Ruben Vardanyan, about the pressure, torture, and obvious deterioration in their health.
