Azerbaijani State Comission on pows and icrc signes framework document in Baku

A framework document on gathering ante-mortem data for the persons missing as a result of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh was today signed between the State Commission of Azerbaijan on Prisoners of War (POW), Hostages and Missing Persons and International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Baku.

The document aims to help in finding the missing persons and support their families.

Delivering a report at the event, Eldar Mahmudov, Minister of National Security of Azerbaijan and chairman of the Commission said the State Commission of Azerbaijan on POW attaches great importance to the cooperation with relevant international organizations, as well as liquidation of consequences of humanitarian problem.

Saying that human rights and freedoms are successfully being ensured in Azerbaijan, the Minister stressed the country is a party of universal documents on human rights, and the national legislation has been brought into line with these documents.

“Occupying Azerbaijani territories, committing genocide, terror acts against Azerbaijanis, Armenia has rudely violated the principles of international law”, the Minister notified.

Mr. Mahmudov added that one of the problems caused by Armenia’s aggression is related to Azerbaijan’s missing persons, and expressed his hope the framework document would be useful to find them. He emphasized the necessity of ensuring Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity recognized by the world community.

Attending the event Fuad Alasgarov, Head of the President’s Office Department for Work with Law Enforcement Bodies said Azerbaijan has always attached great importance to the norms of international law. Head of ICRC Office in Baku Martin Amacher spoke about the importance of the meeting, and expressed his satisfaction with the joint cooperation.

Shahin Sayilov, Secretary of the State Commission on POWs made a report at the event. He informed that 4360 people have been registered as missing persons with 783 people captured by Armenian servicemen. The fate of 231 persons still remains uncovered. He also said according to investigations, 97 Azerbaijanis were alive during the military operations and remained in the occupied territories. Ambassadors of foreign countries accredited in Azerbaijan, mass media representatives were also present at the meeting. A documentary called “Armenian terrorism” was demonstrated at the event, too.