Baku—In a strong rebuttal, Azerbaijan has stated that it is under no obligation to release individuals identified as representatives of the separatist junta regime, countering claims from Armenia regarding the return of prisoners of war.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Aykhan Hajizada, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, addressed the controversy following remarks by the Armenian Prime Minister at the ‘Crossroads of Peace: combining security and democracy’ forum. “It is also ludicrous that the Armenian side claims that the prisoners of war have not been returned,” Hajizada said. He stressed that while Azerbaijan has adhered to humanitarian principles by returning all prisoners of war, it does not extend this to those deemed war criminals or part of the separatist regime in Armenian-held territories.

The statement underscores the ongoing tension between Azerbaijan and Armenia, particularly in the context of allegations and counter-allegations over the treatment of detainees and compliance with international norms.