Armenia’s Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan notes that it is unacceptable to speculate on the return of POWs kept in Azerbaijan during the election campaign, especially talking about the exchange of POWs with other people and the willingness to be exchanged. 

Tatoyan has issued a statement which notes:

 “It is obvious that such a thing cannot happen, and the speculations only increase the tension in the country, make the return of the POWs more difficult. This way, the “price” of the return of the POWs is simply increased for the Azerbaijani authorities. And, of course, it is an open disrespect to the POWs and their families, their feelings. Therefore, the Human Rights Defender urges everyone to completely stop manipulating the return of POWs. We should not complicate the process with speculations, but make real efforts for the return of our compatriots who were illegally taken captive in Azerbaijan.”