Appeal by Veronika Zonabend to Alen Simonyan

Appeal by Veronika Zonabend to Alen Simonyan, Secretary of the Security Council of the Republic of Armenia

8 September 2026

Dear Mr. Simonyan,

I learned from media reports about the possibility of your visit to Baku. I welcome your willingness to make such a trip and hope that it could create additional opportunities to address humanitarian issues concerning the Armenian hostages and their families.

You previously emphasized:

“On the path toward achieving peace, resolving all humanitarian issues is of vital importance, and in this context, the urgent and safe return of the Armenian hostages is of paramount importance.”

I share this position.

I am ready to travel to Baku with you. I know that members of other hostages’ families share this wish as well. I ask you to consider the possibility of our joining the trip, should it take place, and to assist in arranging meetings with our loved ones.

In this regard, I would like to ask you the following questions.

Do you plan to visit the Armenian hostages during your trip?

Would you be willing to meet with the hostages’ families before the trip, hear their requests, and accept letters to be delivered to the hostages?

For our families, the opportunity to see our loved ones, learn about their condition, and personally convey words of love and support is of immense importance.

For the hostages, this is an opportunity to feel that they remain connected to their families and that their fate has not been forgotten.

I hope to receive your response and that you will be willing to discuss how this opportunity can be used to take a concrete humanitarian step.

Veronika Zonabend