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The Armenian Defense Ministry has released a statement in connection with the neutralization of an Azerbaijani commando group. Below is the full text of the statement.

“Azerbaijani leadership has recently tried to reject the members of the Azerbaijani commando group neutralized at the end of last week, while making efforts to obtain status of prisoner of war (POW) for them.

In this case it is impossible because international humanitarian law, in particular Article 4 of the Geneva Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, specifies who may be given POW status.

There is irrefutable evidence that in reality we are dealing with a criminal group recruited and used by Azerbaijani leadership for subversive purposes. The members of the neutralized commando group had no insignia and flagrantly violated war laws and traditions defined by international law, carrying out a cruel and inhumane infringement aimed against civilians.

Under criminal law, respective types of punishment are envisaged for the criminal activities of the neutralized commando group, particularly for border violation, murder and attempted murder, an illegal attempt to take photos of specially protected areas, etc.

Criminal proceedings will be initiated against the detained persons in accordance with general order of criminal law and the principles of international law on human rights protection, and they will get a fair trial.

If necessary, the irrefutable evidence will be provided to interested international organizations.”