Armenian Catholicos wants Iran’s mediation in returning PoWs from Azerbaijan

PanARMENIAN.Net - Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has asked for Tehran's mediation on the return of Armenian prisoners of war being held in Baku.

At a meeting with Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon Mojtab Amani on June 18, the possibilities of realizing the right of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) residents to return, as well as the need for the return of prisoners held in Azerbaijan, were discussed. “Aram I asked for Iranian mediation in the issue of prisoners, given the historically friendly relations between Armenia and Iran,” a statement from the Great House of Cilicia said.

According to official sources, 23 Armenian prisoners are being held in Azerbaijan, 17 of whom were captured as a result of the 2023 aggression.

In addition, former leaders of Nagorno-Karabakh Arkady Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan and Arayik Harutyunyan, former Minister of State Ruben Vardanyan, ex-deputy commander of the Defense Army David Manukyan, ex-commander of the Defense Army Levon Mnatsakanyan and former head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs David Babayan are currently in Azerbaijan.