Ann Linde calls for release of all POWs and resumption of  negotiations on Karabakh under auspices of Minsk Group

ArmInfo OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde again  called on Azerbaijan to release the Armenian prisoners of war, resume  negotiations under the auspices of the Minsk Group co-chairs and  reach a political solution.

"I don't agree that the OSCE doesn't make a lot of efforts for the  conflict settlement, for what is happening in Nagorno Karabakh. I  have a special representative who is very active. I personally met  with him yesterday to discuss the situation. We have an OSCE Minsk  Group Co- Chairmanship, co-chaired by US, Russia and France which try  to make very positive steps", she said, during a press conference  today commenting on the view of "Armenpress",  that the Armenian  society is disappointed with the OSCE's passive position during the  2020 Nagorno Karabak War and asked whether she shares the view of  Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev who says that the NK conflict is  solved, Ann Linde said: adding that the Co-Chairs, however, had a  limited access to the region last year because of the pandemic and  other reasons.

The OSCE Chairperson-in Office reminded that in mid-June there was an  agreement to return 15 Armenian prisoners of war from Azerbaijan, and  Armenia provided Azerbaijan with maps aimed at facilitating the  demining works. According to Mrs. Linde, this is a welcoming step  aimed at strengthening trust.

"With my statement I have called on Armenia, Azerbaijan to take a  positive step by releasing all remaining detainees and resume the  negotiations under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group  Co-Chairmanship, and also to find a political solution with the  engagement of Andrzej Kasprzyk, because there is no peace agreement  yet", Ann Linde said.

To note, the Azerbaijani authorities, not only in violation of all  agreements, have been keeping Armenian prisoners of war and civilians  captured during the last 44-day war for 8 months already, but have  also perpetrated illegal trials over them.  Every day, groups of  13-16 people stand before an Azerbaijani court on fictional grave  charges. Today, 27 Armenian prisoners of war at once were brought  before an Azerbaijani court. To note, these actions of Baku run  counter to the obligations undertaken by Azerbaijan within the  framework of the trilateral statement of November 9, 2020. According  to paragraph 8 of this document, the exchange of prisoners of war was  to be carried out on the principle of "all for all," however,  Azerbaijan speculates on this issue in every possible way and is  trying to get political dividends.