ISTANBUL — Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia Alen Simonyan has called for the release of Armenian detainees held in Azerbaijan and clarification of the fate of missing persons, emphasizing that these steps are essential for achieving genuine reconciliation between the two countries.
Speaking at the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, held in Istanbul, Alen Simonyan underscored the importance of building a future grounded in hope, peace, and justice.
“It is a great honor to accept Turkey’s invitation and address this Assembly on behalf of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia,” he said. “A thriving present and future are built on the foundations of hope, peace, and justice.”
Simonyan noted that Armenia’s policies are guided by the vision of creating a future with equal opportunities for social and economic prosperity, stressing that today’s decisions must build trust for future generations.
Addressing regional developments, he stated that peace has been established in the South Caucasus following the 2025 agreement signed by the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the United States, calling it a significant achievement. He added that Armenia is ready to deepen relations with Turkey and invited Ankara to join efforts toward building lasting peace in the region.
He highlighted that a new era of trust-building has begun between Armenia and Azerbaijan after decades of hostility, with ongoing efforts focused on strengthening communication links and ensuring the practical implementation of peace on the ground.
Simonyan also pointed to the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity” (TRIPP) initiative as an important milestone, noting that it has the potential to enhance regional connectivity, expand international trade routes, and promote economic cooperation and stability across the South Caucasus and beyond.
He further emphasized emerging signs of normalization, including the initial formation of trade between Armenia and Azerbaijan, describing the import of Azerbaijani goods into Armenia as both a symbolic and practical step toward restoring economic ties.
At the same time, the Speaker stressed that serious humanitarian issues remain unresolved.
“To continue strengthening trust and to achieve genuine reconciliation, the 19 Armenians held in Azerbaijan must be released and reunited with their families, and the fate of other missing persons must be clarified,” Alen Simonyan said.
Concluding his remarks, Simonyan urged the international community to prioritize peace for future generations.
“It is our sacred duty to be worthy of our children and grandchildren by leaving them not a legacy of war, but a legacy of peace,” he stated.
