Family Hopes to Communicate with Armenian POW on His 23rd Birthday

The family of military conscript Hakob Injighulyan, who has been held captive in Azerbaijan for almost 6 months, last heard news about their son on Nov. 25. The International Committee of the Red Cross staff informed the family that they expect to receive news about Hakob at the end of January (no specific date was mentioned), said Hakob's brother, Harutyun, in conversation with Epress.am. 

"On the 15th we have to call the Red Cross to set a date to meet with them. Earlier, they informed us that a meeting with Hakob is scheduled at the end of January. We have to ask the Red Cross to allow us to convey a few words, at least through the internet, if possible at least on Hakob's 23rd birthday, on Jan. 28, which is also the Republic of Armenia's Army Day. 

"In general, we hope that the Red Cross at least this year will relay information to us related to our case, if, of course, it knows [anything]. In any case, we have high hopes for the Red Cross, but we don't know if they're doing what they can or what they can get," said Hakob's brother. In his opinion, the issue will be resolved more quickly if it falls under the UN's jurisdiction — more so than under the current supervision of the Red Cross.

Recall, according to official reports, at about 3 am on Aug. 8, Hakob Injighulyan, while carrying out his military service, accidentally crossed the Line of Contact between Armenia and Azerbaijan and found himself in territory under the control of Azerbaijani troops. Negotiations mediated by Armenia's defense ministry and the International Committee of the Red Cross are underway to bring the young man back home.