Baku tries to justify itself, says never declared axe-killer “hero”September 8, 2012 - 18:17 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Having faced harsh worldwide criticism for pardon and release of Azeri criminal Ramil Safarov convicted for axe-murdering an Armenian officer in Budapest, the official Baku attempts to justify itself in the eyes of international community. According to the chief of social-political department of Presidential Administration Ali Hasanov, Azerbaijan hasn’t officially announced Safarov a hero or extolled his crime. As he noted, “Baku has merely released its soldier who’s served 8,5 years in prison and proved that he poses no social or international threat.” Turns out, “the high interest of Azeri society to Safarov case prompted him to be declared a hero, while the official Baku is in no way exulted over the developments.” If Hasanov’s words are true, welcoming criminals with flowers, gifting them apartments, promoting them to higher posts is in the order of things. To say nothing of Azeri statements, citing Safarov as an “example for future generations, a model of bravery, who shed the blood of the enemy.” Doesn’t matter if the enemy was axe-murdered at peaceful time, while asleep in his bed. Baku’s wish to restore its tarred reputation is understandable, considering severe criticism of the international community, from UN, NATO to the Council of Europe. Every major state and superpower slammed Baku for undermining Karabakh settlement through the criminal’s release. Seems like Baku itself is not happy over the step which led the international community to realize: under no circumstances can Artsakh become a part of a country cultivating the image of the likes of Safarov. Marina Ananikyan / PanARMENIAN News Gurgen Margaryan On February 19, 2004, Lieutenant of the Armenian Armed Forces Gurgen Margaryan, 26, was hacked to death, while asleep, by a fellow Azerbaijani participant, lieutenant Ramil Safarov, in Budapest during a three-month English language course in the framework of Partnership for Peace NATO-sponsored program. In accordance with Budapest District Court sentence dated April 13, 2006, Ramil Safarov was life imprisoned for murdering the Armenian officer. Top stories Six total incidents have burned 19 old-growth trees. Friday night 8 trees were torched along the beautiful main entrance. The EU does not intend to conduct military exercises with Armenia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano says. Hikmet Hajiyev has said that there is no place for USAID operation in Azerbaijan any longer. A telephone conversation between Putin and Pashinyan before the CSTO summit is not planned, Peskov says. Partner news | Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. CSTO recognizes Armenia’s sovereign right to withdraw Tasmagambetov has said that if Armenia decides to leave the organization, “it will be the sovereign right of Armenia.” Ex-President: Only removal of “defeatist” rulers can save Armenia Former Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan has shared a message on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. |