Azerbaijani civilian interned in Armenia returns home under ICRC auspices

An Azerbaijani civilian interned in Armenia returned to Azerbaijan today under the auspices of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The man was placed in the care of Azerbaijani officials on the road between the Armenian town of Ijevan and the Azerbaijani town of Gazakh, at the international border.

Prior to his repatriation, ICRC delegates had visited the civilian in order to assess his treatment and conditions of internment. The organization also conveyed family news between him and his loved ones.

Acting as a neutral intermediary and in accordance with its mandate, the ICRC facilitated this repatriation in conjunction with the Armenian and Azerbaijani authorities. The internee had previously confirmed to ICRC delegates that he was returning of his own free will.

On the basis of its mandate under the Geneva Conventions, the ICRC has been working in the area since 1992 in connection with the Nagorno Karabakh conflict.