Hayaqve calls on Switzerland to aid access to Armenian captives

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Hayaqve initiative has once again addressed the issue of Armenian captives, emphasizing that it has repeatedly proposed actions that could be taken to secure their release.

“In addition to the previously listed measures, it would have been possible to utilize the mechanism of ensuring consular access to Armenian hostages held in Baku, in line with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, through a third country. A neutral country—Switzerland—could have been asked to provide consular services and emergency medical assistance on behalf of Armenia to all Armenian hostages,” the statement said.

“It is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that should take such steps, not civil society activists who are making desperate efforts,” the statement added.

It also noted that institutions like the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, or a special envoy mechanism—or ultimately, direct communication—could have been employed.

U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz has stated that during his conversation with Azerbaijani President’s security advisor Hikmet Hajiyev, he emphasized the need to release the captives and finalize a peace treaty with Armenia.

Ruben Vardanyan’s lawyer, Jared Genser, has urged Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan to closely examine the statements by former U.S. President Donald Trump and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.