The release of Armenian detainees held in Baku would be an important step toward strengthening the established peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said at a joint press conference with Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna.
He noted that the existing peace between the two countries requires further institutionalization. While it already exists and its benefits are visible—particularly in cargo transit and bilateral trade—it still needs careful nurturing, Sputnik Armenia reports.
“Unfortunately, not all issues have been resolved. There are still prisoners and detained persons in Baku, and our position remains unchanged: these people must be released as soon as possible. We are confident that their release will only reinforce the established peace,” Mirzoyan said.
According to him, dialogue with Azerbaijan on this issue is ongoing and remains among the top items on the agenda. He added that Armenia has also raised the issue in contacts with international partners.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna emphasized that establishing peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan is an important historic step, but resolving all issues cannot be achieved in a short time.
“This peace process is real and ongoing; it is shaping the future for the Armenian people. Peace here is a prerequisite for all subsequent steps—prosperity, economic development, and fundamental freedoms,” he said.
Mirzoyan highlighted Estonia’s important role as a reliable partner, emphasizing the development of cooperation in multilateral and European directions.
He noted that effective cooperation in multilateral formats was discussed and stressed the importance of its continued development. He particularly underlined regular contacts in the Armenia–Nordic–Baltic Eight format, expressing hope that, under Estonia’s leadership, this agenda can be advanced and cooperation intensified.
“In the context of our overall cooperation, Armenia–EU relations hold a special place and importance. Here, too, Estonia has demonstrated both willingness and leadership, and we have a very reliable and trustworthy partner in the EU in Estonia. Once again, our gratitude, Mr. Minister.
You know that our commitment to the values underlying this cooperation is unwavering, and you can rely on us to the same extent,” he said.
Earlier, a court in Baku sentenced Ruben Vardanyan to 20 years in prison. Former Nagorno-Karabakh President Arayik Harutyunyan was sentenced to life imprisonment. Former Defense Army commander Levon Mnatsakanyan and his former deputy Davit Manukyan, former Foreign Minister of Artsakh Davit Babayan, and National Assembly Speaker Davit Ishkhanyan were also given life sentences. Former presidents Arkady Ghukasyan and Bako Sahakyan received 20-year terms. Madat Babayan and Melikset Pashayan were sentenced to 19 years, Garik Martirosyan to 18, Davit Alaverdyan and Levon Balayan to 16, and Erik Ghazaryan, Gurgen Stepanyan, and Vasily Beglaryan to 15 years.
