On August 30, Azerbaijani Presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev, head of the Foreign Policy Department, held a phone conversation with Armenian Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan, reportedly initiated by the Azerbaijani side.
According to Hraparak, cited by Globalinfo.az, the discussion centered on Armenian nationals currently on trial in Baku for war crimes. During a recent Washington meeting, the Armenian delegation had asked U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene for their release, presenting them as “Christian Armenian prisoners.” Trump responded that he would request Azerbaijan to consider the issue.
Hajiyev firmly rejected the appeal, warning that such demands undermine the peace agreement and normalization process. He stressed that individuals involved in crimes against Azerbaijan would not be released and dismissed their portrayal as “Christian prisoners.” He demanded the matter not be raised again.
Following the exchange, Grigoryan reportedly agreed and backed down. Hraparak further noted that the Armenian government is less concerned with the prisoners themselves and more focused on gaining political leverage ahead of the 2026 elections.
