Russian MFA comments on court proceedings against Artsakh ex-leaders in Baku

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Russian Foreign Ministry has responded to the court proceedings taking place in Baku against the former leadership of the Republic of Artsakh.

Hayk Khalatyan, a correspondent for the VERELQ Analytical Center, raised a question, emphasizing that the trial involves grave human rights violations. He pointed out that Ruben Vardanyan had declared a hunger strike in protest against the trial, which he considers a farce. Khalatyan further noted that while the former Artsakh leaders are not Russian citizens, Moscow has long played a mediating role in resolving the conflict and has cooperated with the authorities of Artsakh. In this regard, he asked whether Russia could assist in securing their release, given that the charges brought by Azerbaijan also indirectly concern Russia.

"We have previously addressed this issue in past briefings. As you correctly noted, these individuals are not Russian citizens.

We believe that including humanitarian issues in the agenda of Armenian-Azerbaijani bilateral negotiations will help foster an atmosphere of trust between Baku and Yerevan. We reaffirm our commitment to the trilateral agreements between the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia, including the need to address issues such as the protection of refugees' rights, the preservation of cultural, historical, and religious heritage, the search for those missing during hostilities, and the exchange of detainees. We are ready to provide the necessary assistance to our Azerbaijani and Armenian partners," the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Department of Information and Press stated.