Baku, July 1 – Azerbaijan has consistently been guided by the principles of humanism and has stated that resolving the issue of missing persons is an important part of strengthening peace and trust in the South Caucasus. This was announced by Elnur Mammadov, Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan and member of the State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Citizens, at an international conference in Baku dedicated to the issue of missing persons, according to ‘Report’.
Joint Efforts and Transparency Crucial for Resolving Missing Persons Issue
“Resolving the issue of missing persons requires the joint efforts and transparent cooperation of all parties. The family of every missing person experiences its own tragedy. The issue of missing persons is one of the priority topics on the global humanitarian agenda,” Mammadov noted.
He also added that since November 2020, Azerbaijan has transferred the bodies of more than 2,000 Armenian servicemen found on the battlefield.
Context of the Transfer
The transfer of these bodies is a significant humanitarian act amidst ongoing efforts to normalize relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh has left thousands dead and many more missing, making the identification and return of remains a critical step towards reconciliation and providing closure to affected families.
The international conference in Baku underscores the global importance of addressing the issue of missing persons in post-conflict regions. Such platforms facilitate dialogue and cooperation among nations and international organizations to resolve these sensitive humanitarian challenges.
Implications for Peace Process
This action by Azerbaijan is seen as a positive gesture that could contribute to the broader peace process between Yerevan and Baku. Humanitarian gestures, such as the return of bodies, are often crucial in building confidence and fostering an environment conducive to diplomatic solutions and long-term stability in the region.
International Involvement and Support
International organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP), have been actively involved in facilitating the search, identification, and return of missing persons from the conflict. Their expertise and neutral role are vital in ensuring that these processes are conducted with dignity and transparency.
The ICMP, for instance, has expressed its readiness to contribute to the dialogue between Baku and Yerevan, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to address the issue of missing persons effectively. Such international support is instrumental in overcoming the complex challenges associated with post-conflict recovery and reconciliation.
Looking Ahead
While the transfer of bodies is a positive step, the path to full reconciliation and lasting peace in the South Caucasus remains long. Continued cooperation, transparency, and adherence to humanitarian principles by both Armenia and Azerbaijan will be essential in addressing all outstanding issues, including the fate of all missing persons, and building a stable future for the region.
The Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to issue a formal statement regarding this specific announcement, but humanitarian efforts are generally welcomed by both sides as they contribute to easing tensions and addressing the painful legacies of the conflict.
This development comes as other news from the region indicates ongoing diplomatic activities, including discussions between Yerevan and Baku on peace processes, strengthening control over air protection during construction works, and the temporary liberalization of Armenia’s visa regime. These interconnected events highlight a dynamic period in the South Caucasus, where humanitarian issues often intertwine with broader political and economic developments.
The commitment to humanism expressed by Azerbaijan’s Deputy Foreign Minister resonates with international norms and expectations for states involved in post-conflict situations. The hope is that such actions will pave the way for further constructive engagement and ultimately lead to a comprehensive resolution of the conflict’s humanitarian consequences.
Source: https://verelq.am/hy/node/174929
