Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said that securing the release of Armenians held in Baku requires strengthening peace and overcoming hostility between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Speaking at the Institute of International and European Affairs in Dublin, Pashinyan described the prisoners’ situation as a major challenge closely linked to the normalization of relations between the two countries.
“The issue of prisoners is one of the important challenges in our reality. But to resolve this issue, we need to strengthen peace; otherwise, it will remain unresolved. The presence of prisoners reflects the atmosphere of hostility. If hostility deepens, it will mean that this issue certainly will not be resolved,” he said, Armenpress reports.
Pashinyan emphasized that the issue remains a priority in Armenia’s diplomatic contacts.
“This issue has always been, and remains today, on our agenda. We consistently raise this matter during diplomatic contacts. We never forget about this issue, and we will, of course, continue doing everything within our power to ensure that these people are released from prison,” he said.
The prime minister added that political leaders have a responsibility to seek opportunities for peace even after years of hostility.
