Red Cross conducts confidential talks with authorities of Azerbaijan and Armenia
On January 9, the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs issued a statement in which they referred to a December 29, 2016 attempted incursion on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and urged [the Armenian side] to return the body of an Azerbaijani serviceman killed in the fighting. They said, in particular, that the two countries should stop accusing each other of ceasefire violations and urged the return, without delay, of human remains. A1+ Company has learnt from the Delegation of the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) in Armenia that they are in contact with the authorities of the two countries in question. “We are ready, as a neutral side, to be present at the handover of the remains. At present, we are holding secret negotiations with both parties.” Asked whether they had information on the number of victims on each side, the office said they could provide official information according to which the Armenian side is holding the body of an Azerbaijani serviceman who was killed in fighting in Tavush marz on Dec. 29.
