Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has stated that the issue of the release of the Armenian captives held in Baku and the representatives of the former military-political leadership of Nagorno-Karabakh remains constantly on the agenda of Armenia’s authorities. He spoke about this during a meeting held at the Dublin Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA).
According to the prime minister, resolving the issue of the release of the Armenians held in Baku requires strengthening the peace established in the region and overcoming the atmosphere of hostility.
“The issue of the prisoners is one of the important issues in our reality. But to solve that issue we need to strengthen peace. Otherwise it will not be solved. The existence of prisoners is a reflection of the atmosphere of hostility. If hostility deepens, it will mean that this issue will certainly not be solved 100 percent,” Pashinyan said.
He stressed that during diplomatic contacts Armenia’s authorities continuously raise the issue of the Armenians held in Baku and will not abandon efforts aimed at their release.
“Among other things, it is on our agenda, it has always been and today too it is on our agenda, and in diplomatic contacts we constantly raise that issue. We never forget that problem, and we will continue, of course, to do everything in our power so that those people are released from prison,” the prime minister stated.
Touching on Armenian-Azerbaijani relations, Pashinyan noted that the deepening of hostility and anger could lead to the continuation of the conflict and war. According to him, the goal of Armenia’s authorities is to overcome hostility, conflict and despair and to ensure a peaceful future.
The prime minister also spoke about the “Real Armenia” ideology, stressing that it is based on Armenia’s state and national interests.
“We must change the fate of our people, for that we must overcome anger, hostility and despair, despondency, we must stop relying on others, we must rely on ourselves,” Pashinyan said.
He added that the Republic of Armenia is the unit that is fully devoted to defending the national interests of its citizens.
