U.S. calls for release of Karabakh PoWs on war-end anniversary

PanARMENIAN.Net - The United States has called for the release of prisoners of war, in a statement published on the first anniversary of the ceasefire statement that ended the devastating war unleashed by Azerbaijan against Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) on November 9.

"We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those killed and injured during the hostilities last year. We call for the return of all remaining detainees, a full accounting of missing persons, the voluntary return of displaced persons to their homes, comprehensive humanitarian de-mining of conflict-affected areas, and access by international humanitarian organizations to those in need. We also call for an investigation into alleged human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law," State Department Ned Price said in a statement on Monday, November 8.

"The United States remains committed to promoting a secure, stable, prosperous, and peaceful future for the South Caucasus region. U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Erika Olson is currently in the region to discuss bilateral issues with all three countries and to explore opportunities for regional cooperation."

Price urged Armenia and Azerbaijan to continue and intensify their engagement including under the auspices of the Minsk Group co-chairs to find comprehensive solutions to all outstanding issues related to or resulting from the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Russian and Azerbaijani Presidents Vladimir Putin and Ilham Aliyev on November 9 signed a statement to end the war in Karabakh after almost 45 days. Under the deal, the Armenian side returned all the seven regions surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh, having lost a part of Karabakh itself in hostilities.