“We are exchanging those who have strayed with those who have strayed, in a spirit of goodwill and a constructive atmosphere.” Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan made the remarks during a parliamentary briefing, responding to a question about whether the possibility of exchanging Azerbaijanis who had strayed into Armenia for prisoners was being discussed.
As for the incident in Shaki, Mirzoyan noted that he did not know whether the Azerbaijani serviceman had lost his way or fled, but said he supported upholding the agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan on this matter.
“Regardless of whether he got lost, fled, is a saboteur or something else, a crime has been committed. This completely changes the picture, and, accordingly, all procedures must be followed in accordance with Armenian legislation,” he said.
Addressing media reports that an Azerbaijani shepherd had strayed across the border, Ararat Mirzoyan noted that Armenian shepherds, soldiers and livestock also sometimes stray or lose their way. He said he supported upholding the agreement with the Azerbaijani side on this matter.
