Mrs. Sahkian, in August meets with the wife of Ruben Vardanyan, who was arrested in Baku, Veronika Sonband, with representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Armenia. In an interview for our publication, you mentioned that you raised a number of humanitarian issues regarding the detention conditions of women prisoners, including the issue of supporting the initiative to organize an international women's humanitarian mission in Baku. Did you get a reply and if so, what information can you share? Yes, on August 17, Veronika Sonband and I met with representatives of Armenia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, as well as the Interdepartmental Committee on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons to discuss the situation of Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan. We provided information on the detention conditions of prisoners and other humanitarian issues, and also raised questions regarding the goals of the humanitarian mission initiated by Ms. Sonband and possible support for this initiative. After the meeting we sent written requests to both departments expecting to receive official responses.
Unfortunately, I have nothing to tell you, since the deadline set by law for providing answers has already passed, but we have not received a single response. And this despite the assurances of the yeshiva participants that this issue is a priority for them and is on the agenda. It should be clearly understood: one cannot hesitate in humanitarian matters. Armenian prisoners in Baku are in total isolation. The last time the representatives of the Red Cross visited them was almost a year ago - in December last year. The information coming from relatives is worrying. I don't think silencing the problem is the most effective way to deal with the current situation. In addition, I believe that the prisoners' families should be treated with respect.