2024-04-01 23:58:45
The Armenian authorities said on March 4 that they will release and repatriate the Azerbaijani soldier who crossed the border on February 28.
Ruslan Panahov It was stopped in the direction of Tegh village. The Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan announced that he lost his way in bad weather in Lachin region and went missing.
According to the information of the National Security Service (NSS) of Armenia, the investigation conducted by another law enforcement agency revealed that Panahov fled due to an incident between military personnel at the border post of Azerbaijan and then crossed the border. However, MTX did not disclose the details.
Last week, when the news of the soldier’s disappearance spread, RFE/RL’s Armenian service “Azatutyun” wrote with reference to a member of the local council that Panahov crossed the border with another Azerbaijani soldier, but he escaped. Before the incident, it was claimed that the villagers heard angry shouts and even gunshots from the Azerbaijani side of the border. But the Azerbaijani side has not made any comments regarding these claims.
In its statement, the Ministry of Defense noted that Yerevan decided to hand over Panakhov as a “sign of goodwill” and in accordance with the Armenia-Azerbaijan agreement on the rapid repatriation of soldiers who strayed into each other’s territory. It is reported that the agreement was reached at the highest level.
In April last year, two Azerbaijani soldiers who crossed from Nakhchivan to Sunik province were detained. One of them was found guilty of murdering a resident of Sünik a day before he was detained. In December, both soldiers were released in exchange for the release of 32 Armenian soldiers and civilians.
Freedom radio