French Minister: Resolving the issue of Armenian prisoners is a necessary condition for normalizing relations

ArmInfo. The release of Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan must be considered within the framework of the normalization process of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations, stated Nicolas Forcier, Minister Delegate of France for Foreign Trade and Investment Attractiveness.

"Unresolved humanitarian issues must be discussed within the framework of the normalization process between the two countries. Resolving the prisoner issue is a necessary condition," Forcier emphasized in the country's legislature, responding to a question from Senator Marie-Arlette Carlotti.

Senator Carlotti, representing Marseille, raised the issues of the French government's support for the forcibly displaced residents of Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as the fate of Armenian prisoners held in Baku. She recalled that on February 5, 2026, a military court in Baku sentenced 15 Armenians, five of whom were sentenced to life imprisonment. A few days later, Ruben Vardanyan was sentenced to 20 years in prison. She inquired about the measures France is taking, in conjunction with its European partners, to ensure that the peace process includes the release of prisoners and the right of forcibly displaced persons to free choice, particularly the right to return.

In response, Forissier welcomed the return of four Armenian prisoners to their homeland on January 14, 2026, and called for the release of all those arbitrarily detained.

"The progress achieved in the normalization process creates an opportunity for sustainable peace in the South Caucasus. We call on both sides to fulfill their commitments." "Resolving the prisoner issue is a necessary condition," the French official stated.

Foricier also recalled that France strongly condemned Azerbaijan's military operation in Nagorno-Karabakh and expressed regret over the "almost" complete exodus of the region's Armenian population.

Speaking about support for refugees, the minister emphasized that France has provided significant humanitarian assistance in organizing their reception and will continue to adapt funding to existing needs. He also noted the importance of implementing the interim measures ordered by the International Court of Justice on November 17, 2023. "All those who wish to return to their places of residence must be able to do so freely and in safety," the French minister emphasized.

It should be noted that the exact number of Armenian prisoners of war and hostages held in Azerbaijani prisons is still unknown. Experts estimate there are several hundred. Today, the Azerbaijani authorities confirm the presence of 19 Armenians in their captivity. Among those held in Azerbaijani captivity are 8 former and current representatives of the military-political leadership of Artsakh. These are former presidents of Artsakh. Arkady Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Arayik Harutyunyan, former Foreign Minister Davit Babayan, as well as Parliament Speaker Davit Ishkhanyan, former Commander of the Artsakh Defense Army, General Levon Mnatsakanyan, General David Manukyan, and former State Minister Ruben Vardanyan.

In February, the Baku puppet court sentenced Arayik Harutyunyan, Davit Babayan, Davit Ishkhanyan, Davit Manukyan, and Levon Mnatsakanyan to life imprisonment on trumped-up charges, and Bako Sahakyan, Arkady Ghukasyan, and Ruben Vardanyan to 20 years in prison. The so-called court sentenced the remaining Artsakh residents to up to 15 years in prison.