Armenian serviceman repatriated under ICRC auspices

28 Jan 2008 11:26:34 GMT
Source: International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) – Switzerland

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Geneva (ICRC) ` An Armenian serviceman previously detained in Baku,
Azerbaijan, has been repatriated to Armenia under the auspices of the
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

The operation took place on 25 January on the road between the
Azerbaijani town of Gazakh and the Armenian town of Ijevan, at the
international border.

Prior to his repatriation, ICRC delegates had visited the serviceman on
several occasions in order to assess his treatment and conditions of
detention.

The organization had also forwarded family news between the detainee
and his relatives.

Acting as a neutral intermediary and in accordance with its mandate,
the ICRC facilitated the man’s repatriation at the request of both the
Azerbaijani and Armenian authorities.

Before the operation took place, the detainee confirmed to ICRC
delegates that he was returning of his own free will.

For further information, please contact: Anna Nelson, ICRC Geneva,
tel:+41 22 730 24 26 or +41 79 217 32 64