Baku:Peace must reach the lives and hearts of the families of missing persons, Turkish MP and former Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu emphasized at the Fourth International Conference held within the framework of the Baku Dialogue on Missing Persons.

According to Azeri-Press news agency, Cavusoglu noted that while peace talks and agreements have the potential to end hostilities, true and enduring peace requires reconciliation. He highlighted the South Caucasus region's history of conflict, forced displacement, and humanitarian suffering, particularly affecting Azerbaijan since the late 1980s and early 1990s.

The fate of nearly 4,000 Azerbaijani citizens missing since the early 1990s remains a significant humanitarian issue. These missing individuals include civilians, such as women, the elderly, and children. The leadership of President Ilham Aliyev is seen as pivotal in making the prospect of lasting peace in the South Caucasus more realistic than before.

The recent inclusion of a provision on missing persons in the preliminary peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia underscores the recognition of this issue within the broader peace process. Acknowledging this as an integral part of peacebuilding and reconciliation is expected to enhance mutual trust and provide a solid foundation for lasting peace.