Issues related to Armenian prisoners of war (POWs) and human rights violations were discussed at today’s European Parliament session.
Andrey Kovatchev, Member of the European Parliament, Vice-Chair of the EPP Faction, Rapporteur on Armenia, stated the need for the immediate and unconditional release of all military and civilian prisoners of war during the Nagorno-Karabakh war.
“The official Baku has to fully implement the trilateral ceasefire statement which foresees an exchange of prisoners of war, hostages and all other detainees, as well as the remains of fatalities. However Azerbaijan describes these people as terrorists and criminals,” Kovatchev said.
He emphasized that the captives are protected by the UN Convention on International Humanitarian Law and must be repatriated.
“Azerbaijan should assist the European Court of Human Rights providing with reliable information on the detainees and their well-being,” Kovatchev said.
According to the European Parliamentarian, independent and effective investigation have to be carried out for all credible allegations of grief breaches of the Geneva Convention and other violations of international law.
“Baku must also close the so-called ‘trophy park’ where the inhuman wax images of the Armenian soldier are shown, which deepens the hostility,” he said.
