Netherlands renews call for release of Armenian PoWs in Baku

PanARMENIAN.Net - Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands Sigrid Kaag has renewed her country's call for the immediate release of all the remaining Armenian prisoners of war by Azerbaijan.

In a letter to the Dutch parliament, Kaag stressed the importance of Armenia and Azerbaijan's withdrawal of troops from the border and their return to the negotiation table.

On the morning of May 12, the armed forces of Azerbaijan violated the border of Armenia in the southern province of Syunik, advancing 3.5 kilometers and surrounding Sev Lake, which is situated on the border between the two countries but is predominantly a part of Armenia. On May 13, the Azerbaijani military committed more border violations against Armenia, advancing near Vardenis (Gegharkunik province) and Sisian (Syunik province). One Armenian serviceman was killed in Azerbaijan’s shooting on May 25, while six others were captured on May 27.

The Dutch diplomat also weighed in on a proposed UNESCO mission aimed at evaluating the cultural heritage in the South Caucasus region.