Russia’s Foreign Ministry comments on Azerbaijan’s ‘trial’ of Ruben Vardanyan and Artsakh’s leadership
In response to an inquiry from the Verelk information-analytical center, the Information and Press Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry has commented on the so-called “trial” of Artsakh’s former state minister, Ruben Vardanyan, and other representatives of the Nagorno-Karabakh military-political leadership
“The trial of the former leadership of Artsakh is taking place in Baku, with gross violations of human rights. Ruben Vardanyan has decided to go on a hunger strike in protest against the judicial farce in response to gross violations of international and Azerbaijani procedural law. I understand that Ruben Vardanyan and the former leaders of Artsakh are not citizens of the Russian Federation. However, considering Russia’s long-standing mediation in the conflict resolution process and the cooperation of Russian peacekeepers with the authorities of Artsakh, can Moscow help free these people, whose basic rights are now being grossly violated, while the charges brought against them by the Azerbaijani authorities indirectly also touch upon Russia?” the correspondent asked.
“In previous briefings, we have commented on this issue. As you rightly noted, the mentioned individuals are not citizens of Russia.
We are confident that the inclusion of humanitarian issues on the agenda of Armenian-Azerbaijani bilateral negotiations will contribute to the establishment of a climate of trust between Baku and Yerevan.
For our part, we reaffirm our commitment to the trilateral agreements of the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia, including the necessity to address issues such as the respect for the rights of refugees, the preservation of cultural, historical, and religious heritage, the search for missing persons during hostilities, and the exchange of prisoners. We are ready to provide the necessary assistance to our Azerbaijani and Armenian partners,” the Information and Press Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry stated.
