MEPs dub Azeri president as “mafia boss” over Safarov release

PanARMENIAN.Net - Members of European Parliament voted on adoption of a previously debated resolution on Hungary-extradited Azeri criminal Ramil Safarov convicted for murdering Armenian officer Gurgen Margaryan in Budapest.

The MEPs involved in the debate slammed Azerbaijan and Hungary, calling Safarov’s pardon and heroization unprecedented, unacceptable and shocking for the whole civilized world.

As they noted, Azeri President Ilham Aliyev behaved like a “mafia boss,” his actions proving that killing an Armenian is a sure way to be hailed a hero in Azerbaijan. The MEPs urged Baku to provide guarantees that a due punishment will be given to Safarov.

Hungary was admonished for the lack of attention in negotiating Safarov extradition with Baku.

Parliament members were understanding of Yerevan’s suspending ties with Budapest. Some, however, noted that Armenia’s harsh response may harm Karabakh conflict settlement efforts.

The MEPs further suggested deeper involvement of the European Parliament in Karabakh issue, also stressing the necessity of intensifying peace talks.

The debates were followed by a resolution on Safarov’s extradition and pardon.