Azernews.Az

The five Armenian servicemen held in Azerbaijani captivity have requested being transferred to a third country, according to Azerbaijan’s State Commission on Captives, Hostages and Missing Persons.
"The Armenian captives have sent a written statement to relevant bodies expressing a wish to go to a third country," Shahin Sayilov, the Commission’s secretary, told the press Wednesday.
The Armenian soldiers earlier drifted to the Azerbaijani side of the frontline, explaining their move by
arbitrariness and lawlessness in their country’s armed forces.
According to Sayilov, similar allegations have been made regarding the two Azerbaijanis held in Armenian captivity.
"These views were expressed in the letters of Azerbaijani captives brought by representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross [the organization facilitating handover of POWs]. And these letters were, certainly, written under pressure. We will find out whether or not what they say is true upon their return to Azerbaijan."
Sayilov emphasized that problems have emerged with the return of prisoners and hostages from both countries.
"The problems are due to their refusing to return home. Very difficult work has to be done in connection with this refusal. Settling this painstaking process will take a long time. International organizations have also faced difficulties with the repatriation of prisoners. They have developed an opinion that being held captive or hostage and heading to a third country by these means has become popular. This particularly holds true for Armenians. The number of Armenians who have gone to third countries has recently exceeded that of Azerbaijanis. They are using this channel to get an opportunity of permanent residence in foreign countries."
The Commission’s secretary said 20 prisoners and hostages on both sides have been repatriated over the past year.
Azerbaijan and Armenia fought a lengthy war that ended with the signing of a cease-fire in 1994, but Armenia continues to occupy Upper Garabagh and seven other Azerbaijani districts in defiance of international law. The OSCE-brokered peace talks have been fruitless so far.*