British MP expresses concern over fate of Azerbaijani hostages
By Sara Rajabova
A British MP has voiced concern over the fate of two Azerbaijanis taken hostages by the Armenian armed forces in occupied Kalbajar region.
Member of the House of Commons of the British Parliament, Chairman of the British-Azerbaijani Inter-Parliamentary Group Christopher Pincher appealed to the Minister of State for Europe, MP David Lidington in connection with the Azerbaijani hostages, the Azerbaijan-Europe society reported August 13.
Three Azerbaijani civilians (Russian citizen Dilgam Asgarov, Azerbaijani citizens Shahbaz Guliyev and Hasan Hasanov) were detained by Armenian forces in early July while they were visiting the graves of their late relatives. ICRC Baku office earlier reported that Hasan Hasanov was buried in Nagorno-Karabakh after being killed by Armenian forces.
Pincher stressed that the persons were taken hostage when they tried to visit the graves of their relatives.
"After being taken hostage, the Azerbaijanis were introduced as provocateurs in the Armenian media. Moreover, the Armenian authorities accused them of killing one civilian and one serviceman," Pincher said.
He noted that Armenian side's treatment with individuals who only intend to visit the graves of their relatives is unacceptable.
Moreover, Pincher stressed the need to provide these individuals with the International Committee of the Red Cross's appropriate assistance.
He further emphasized the importance of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement for the United Kingdom. He also called for the release of Azerbaijanis taken hostage by Armenians.
Pincher expressed hope that Hasan Hasanov's corpse would be returned to his family and all necessary measures would be taken to investigate this incident.
He added that the British government will make every effort to assist in addressing this issue.
Recently, representatives of the ICRC met the two Azerbaijani hostages. The Azerbaijani hostages sent letters to their families.
Previously, Armenian media reported that a criminal case was filed against the Azerbaijani hostages.
Armenia violated the international legal norms by taking hostage the Azerbaijani civilians as they didn't violate any border law between Armenia and Azerbaijan. They were on their own native Kalbajar region.
Azerbaijani State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing People said the fate of Azerbaijani citizens taken hostage in the Kalbajar region, is on the top of the list of its priorities.