The PACE co-rapporteurs on the issue of Armenia issued a statement calling on Azerbaijan to immediately withdraw its forces from the occupied territories of Armenia and release all prisoners of war.
Kimmo Kiljunen (Finland) and Boriana Åberg (Sweden) noted that they are worried about the numerous reports of war crimes or inhumane treatment by the armed forces of Azerbaijan.
They noticed that the military prosecutor's office of Azerbaijan decided to investigate the facts, expressing hope that these investigations will be public and transparent.
"While both sides accuse each other of resuming hostilities, Azerbaijani armed forces are occupying Armenian territory, violating Armenia's territorial integrity and Azerbaijan's obligation to settle conflicts peacefully under the Charter of the Council of Europe. Thus, we call on the authorities of Azerbaijan to immediately withdraw the troops from all parts of the territory of the Republic of Armenia and release the prisoners of war held by them," the co-rapporteurs emphasized.
They emphasized that only diplomatic measures will provide a fair and lasting solution to the conflict, which will be beneficial for the populations of both countries.
