Azerbaijan is hiding the real number of Armenian prisoners of war and civilians taken captive during the Second Karabakh War, Armenian President Armen Sarkissian wrote in a letter to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) President Peter Maurer.

Sarkissian said Armenia is expecting the Committee’s support in facilitating the quick return of the POWs and civilians from Azerbaijan.

In his letter, President Sarkissian particularly emphasized that during and after the war unleashed by Azerbaijan against Artsakh with the active support and direct participation of Turkey, several hundred Armenian military servicemen and civilians who became captives suffer torture and mistreatment at the hands of Azerbaijan.

“Today, addressing the humanitarian situation in Artsakh is a priority and requires urgent attention of the international community. The international community, all the OSCE Minsk Group states, international organizations, and individuals should give an adequate assessment to Azerbaijan’s war actions," arkissian wrote.

"In conformity with the trilateral statement of November 9, 2020, on cease-fire, the Republic of Armenia has transferred to Azerbaijan all prisoners of war. However, of utmost importance is the fulfilment of the "all for all" principle on the exchange of all POWs and civilians taken captive, which is being disregarded by Azerbaijan."

In a gross violation of international human rights and humanitarian law, Sarkissian said, Azerbaijan currently conceals the real number of Armenian prisoners of war and civilians taken captive, and continues to reject and hamper the return of civilian captives and POWs, underlined President Sarkissian. -

"Armenia expects support from international partners in the issue of the quickest return of all the captives," the President wrote.

"I address to you and the International Committee of the Red Cross to undertake all necessary measures to ensure immediate release and safe return of POWs in conformity with the international humanitarian law.”