All Armenian prisoners of war (POWs) and civilians illegally held by Azerbaijan must be immediately released and returned home without political or other preconditions, Armenia’s Human Rights Defender (Ombudsman) Arman Tatoyan told a meeting with new French Ambassador to Armenia Anne Louyot on Sunday, his office reported.
He stressed that the Azerbaijani authorities artificially protract and politicize the process, grossly violating the rights of prisoners and their families, causing them suffering and provoking tension in the society.
Congratulating Anne Louyot on her new position, Tatoyan expressed confidence for future fruitful cooperation. He also extended his genuine appreciation to former French Ambassador Jonathan Lacôte for high-quality cooperation.
The ombudsman presented facts confirming numerous violations of Armenian border residents' rights by Azerbaijani forces. He noted that issues related to the state border should be considered in the context of human rights.
Tatoyan stressed that as a result of Azerbaijan's criminal actions people were deprived of the homes, land plots and hayfields owned by them since the Soviet era, which caused serious social and security ...
