ArmInfo.Ahead of US Vice President J.D. Vance's upcoming visit to Armenia and Azerbaijan, Catholicos Aram I of the Great House of Cilicia sent a letter to the latter requesting the release of Armenian prisoners of war.
According to the press service of the Great House of Cilicia, Aram I also emphasized the importance of preserving spiritual and cultural monuments in Nagorno-Karabakh, citing international law on these matters.
As a reminder, US President Donald Trump previously announced Vance's visit to the region. The exact date is currently unknown, but the American official is expected in the South Caucasus in early February.
The exact number of Armenian prisoners of war and hostages held in Azerbaijani prisons is still unknown. Experts estimate the number to be in the hundreds. Today, Azerbaijani authorities confirm the presence of 19 Armenians in their custody. Among those held captive by Azerbaijan are eight former and current members of the military-political leadership of Artsakh. These include former Artsakh presidents Arkady Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, and Arayik Harutyunyan; former Foreign Minister Davit Babayan; as well as parliamentary speaker Davit Ishkhanyan; former commander of the Artsakh Defense Army General Levon Mnatsakanyan; General David Manukyan; and former state minister Ruben Vardanyan.
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