France welcomes release of 15 Armenian captives by Azerbaijan in exchange for mine maps
France has welcomed the release of 15 Armenian captives by Azerbaijan in exchange for mine maps, the country's foreign ministry said in a statement on Monday "France welcomes the release of 15 Armenian detainees by Azerbaijan as well as Armenian release of maps of mines of Kovsakan and Varanda regions," the statement read, adding the exchange is an important step to reduce tensions and restore trust between the sides.
"France calls on the sides to implement the commitments of the November 9, 2020 statement, including resumption of meaningful dialogue and release of all Armenian detainees. France along with OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs calls to continue the positive dynamics and reiterates its readiness to contribute to the lasting peace in the Caucasus,"added the statement.
To remind, Azerbaijan set free 15 Armenian prisoners late on Saturday in return for maps of the locations of 92,000 anti-tank and anti-personnel mines in the Azeri-held Kovsakan (Zangelan) and Varanda (Fizuli) regions of Artsakh.