Deputy FM: Release of Armenian POWs Is a Priority, But We Are Not Satisfied With the Results

In a media briefing on Monday, Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan made it clear: the return of Armenian captives remains a top priority for Yerevan. “We cannot be satisfied with the results until all our compatriots return to Armenia,” he said in response to a question from The Armenian Report. “The issue of Armenian POWs and civilian detainees is always on our agenda, and always discussed in our meetings.”

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Months have passed since Armenia submitted new proposals aimed at reopening regional transport links, but Azerbaijan has not offered a public response. Still, Armenian officials insist that every round of negotiations must include the fate of Armenian captives. Kostanyan said the issue of POWs is not only a diplomatic concern but also a human rights issue—one that cannot be ignored by the international community.

“There are several respected partners working in the field of human rights who have come to Yerevan for the Yerevan Dialogue forum,” Kostanyan noted. “And when we talk about human rights, we must talk about our people who are still being held by Azerbaijan.”

Despite serious challenges, Armenia remains hopeful about continuing negotiations. Kostanyan described the recent meeting between Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev as "constructive." According to Kostanyan, both sides expressed readiness to continue working toward a peace treaty.

“We believe that in the near future it will be possible to continue discussions with the Azerbaijani party,” he said. “The importance of the meeting was not in the setting, but in the shared goal of pushing forward the peace agenda.”

This shows a clear political will in Armenia’s leadership: to finally end decades of hostilities and shift focus toward peaceful coexistence and economic development.

Kostanyan also confirmed that Armenia is fully prepared to sign the long-discussed peace agreement with Azerbaijan. However, Azerbaijan has introduced two new preconditions, which could delay the process.

One of those preconditions involves the OSCE Minsk Group—a body that for years facilitated talks over the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Armenia has already indicated readiness to dissolve the Minsk Group mechanism as part of the agreement. “We are ready to send a letter to the OSCE Chairman-in-Office proposing the end of the Minsk Group,” said Kostanyan.

The second precondition is related to Armenia’s Constitution. Azerbaijan claims it may conflict with the terms of the agreement. But Kostanyan reminded reporters that Armenia’s Constitutional Court already ruled there is no legal conflict between the Armenian Constitution and the Alma-Ata Declaration—a key international document that both Armenia and Azerbaijan have referenced in peace discussions.

These comments were made on the sidelines of the Yerevan Dialogue diplomacy forum, which has grown significantly in just its second year. With around 300 participants from nearly 40 countries, the event is putting Armenia on the map as a center for international dialogue.

“This year we have more high-ranking guests than ever before,” said Kostanyan, listing leaders and officials from Slovakia, Montenegro, France, Hungary, and Palestine among the many participants. “The forum is not just about discussions—it’s a platform for real diplomatic work that affects not only Armenia and the South Caucasus but the entire global political scene.”

This successful forum is a sign that Armenia is not just reacting to regional developments—it is shaping them. The presence of key international figures in Yerevan shows growing recognition of Armenia’s commitment to diplomacy, stability, and peace.

Still, Armenian officials remain clear-eyed. Peace cannot come at the expense of justice for its people. “We are fully committed to peace, but we will never forget our citizens who are still held in Baku,” Kostanyan said. “Peace must include their safe return.”

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