Nagorny Karabakh conflict: 109 detainees released

Geneva (ICRC) - On 8, 9 and 10 May 1996, the authorities of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Nagorny Karabakh released 109 detainees captured in connection with the Nagorny Karabakh conflict. The release operation took place under the auspices of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). 

ICRC delegates were able to speak individually to all the captives, in order to make sure that they were being transferred of their own free will. They also made the necessary travel arrangements for them and accompanied them on board the aircraft of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Mr Yevgeny Primakov, who played an active part in ensuring the success of the operation.

The ICRC welcomes these releases and thanks all those who facilitated the operation, particularly the Russian Federation for its initiative, supported by the Minsk Group.

Since 1992, the ICRC has visited more than 800 people held in connection with this conflict and has itself transferred over 240 of them, under agreements reached between the parties.