Rep. Sherman: State Dept has called on Baku to release Armenian POWsMarch 18, 2021 - 17:20 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The United States Department of State has had "multiple, substantive conversations with Baku" calling for the release of all Armenian prisoners of war, Representative Brad Sherman said in a Twitter thread on Thursday, March 18. Sherman said he spoke with Assistant Secretary of State Philip T. Reeker regarding Armenian POWs in Azerbaijan. "Azerbaijan is in violation of the ceasefire agreement by not having released all POWs," Sherman wrote. "I am glad to hear the State [Department] has had multiple, substantive conversations with Baku calling for the release of all POWs. It seems to be that Baku gave POWs access to ICRC in response to U.S. efforts. I will continue to work with the State Department to release all POWs. Several dozen Armenian POWs have returned from Azerbaijan so far, although Armenian officials say many more people were being held in Baku. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev claims, however, that persons being kept in Baku are not prisoners of war but “terrorists and saboteurs”. Officials and human rights lawyers from the Armenian side says, however, that hundreds of POWs and civilians captured both during and after the hostilities are still being kept hostage in Azerbaijan. Top stories Six total incidents have burned 19 old-growth trees. Friday night 8 trees were torched along the beautiful main entrance. The EU does not intend to conduct military exercises with Armenia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano says. Hikmet Hajiyev has said that there is no place for USAID operation in Azerbaijan any longer. A telephone conversation between Putin and Pashinyan before the CSTO summit is not planned, Peskov says. Partner news | Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Government reveals details from Pashinyan’s meeting in border village Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with a group of residents of a border village in Armenia’s northern Tavush province Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. |