March 25, 2025 - 19:06 AMT
Armenia, Azerbaijan consider DNA identification mechanism

During a meeting held on February 7 between the interagency commissions of Armenia and Azerbaijan dealing with prisoners, hostages, and missing persons, the sides discussed a proposal by the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) to establish an independent DNA comparison mechanism, Factor.am reported, citing the Armenian National Security Service (NSS).

The NSS noted that the effective implementation of this mechanism depends on numerous legal, technical, and organizational factors.

"The parties have not yet expressed a position on the issue, and it remains open for further discussion," the NSS stated in its official response.

The ICMP has included this proposal in its reports, recommending the creation of an independent and reliable DNA comparison mechanism between Armenia and Azerbaijan to clarify the fate of missing persons.

The February 7 meeting of the commissions on prisoners, hostages, and missing persons was attended by NSS Director Armen Abazyan on behalf of the Armenian side. Speaking to reporters in the National Assembly a few days ago, Abazyan shared some details of the talks.

He emphasized that efforts are underway to ensure that a follow-up meeting takes place, with the aim of addressing the pressing concerns of the families of missing and captive individuals.