President Aliyev urges Armenia to provide information on missing persons at Baku conference

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev delivered a message to participants of the international conference in Baku titled “Addressing the Issue of Missing Persons: Upholding Families’ Right to Know the Truth.”

The address was read by Col-Gen Ali Nagiyev, Head of the State Security Service and Chairman of the State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages, and Missing Persons, as reported by Caliber.Az.

In his message, President Aliyev highlighted that as a result of the First Karabakh War, approximately 4,000 Azerbaijanis have been missing for over 30 years, including civilians, women, and children. He emphasized that Armenia has yet to provide information regarding the locations of mass graves of Azerbaijanis, including that of National Hero of Azerbaijan Natig Gasimov.

Aliyev called on Armenia to abandon its destructive stance and fulfill its obligations under international humanitarian law. He asserted that if Armenia genuinely seeks peace with Azerbaijan, it must unequivocally condemn the atrocities committed against Azerbaijanis who were captured and taken hostage and hold the perpetrators accountable. Such actions could serve as effective confidence-building measures between the two countries.

The conference is jointly organized by the State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages, and Missing Persons and the International Committee of the Red Cross, underscoring the importance of addressing the issue of missing persons and supporting the families affected by these tragedies.

By Khagan Isayev