The United States has called for the return of all persons taken prisoner as a result of the 44-day war. This is stated in a declaration by State Department spokesman Ned Price on the occasion of the anniversary of the end of the 44-day war.
“This week, the United States and the international community mark the first anniversary of the ceasefire agreement that ended the 44-day fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the South Caucasus. We express our deep condolences to the families of all those killed and wounded as a result of last year’s military operations. We call for the return of all remaining prisoners of war, the clarification of all missing persons, the voluntary return of displaced persons to their homes, comprehensive humanitarian demining of conflict-affected areas, and ensuring the access of international humanitarian organizations to those in need. We also call for an investigation into alleged violations of human rights and humanitarian law.
The United States remains committed to promoting a secure, stable, prosperous and peaceful future for the South Caucasus region. US Deputy Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Erica Olson is currently in the region to discuss bilateral issues with all three countries and explore opportunities for regional cooperation. We call on Armenia and Azerbaijan to continue to intensify their engagement, including within the framework of the Minsk Group Co-Chairs, to find comprehensive solutions to all key issues related to or arising from the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict,” the State Department statement said.
