Baroness Caroline Cox calls for support for release of Armenians illegally held in Baku ahead of Armenia-EU summit

Baroness Caroline Cox, a member of the House of Lords of the United Kingdom Parliament, addressed an open letter on the eve of the Armenia–European Union summit.

In the letter, Caroline Cox raised the issue of Armenian prisoners illegally held in Azerbaijan and called for ensuring their release “as a precondition for a just and lasting peace.”

“My primary concern relates to the hostages and prisoners of war from Armenia and Artsakh who remain in captivity in Azerbaijan to this day.

There are reports that many of them are subjected to treatment that contradicts the laws and regulations of the European Union regarding the treatment of detainees and the right to a fair trial.

I do not believe such issues can be ignored.

It is often said that ‘there can be no peace without justice,’ and I hope these words are in the minds of all those involved in shaping Armenia’s future. I repeat: the past cannot simply be ignored or erased.

I respectfully urge the Government and people of Armenia, as well as all concerned partners, to ensure that this approach becomes a priority.

The shared goals of lasting justice and peace, as well as cooperation, undoubtedly require that the European Union also prioritize this issue,” the letter states.