EU official shares Armenian stance on Azeri axe-killer release

PanARMENIAN.Net - EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy has expressed deep concern over the pain and loss inflicted on Armenian people.

“I show great respect for the Armenians’ position on the issue and their right to express anger,” Stefan Füle told a joint press briefing with Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan, commenting on the extradition and pardon of Azerbaijani criminal Ramil Safarov.

In this context, Mr. Füle noted that the issue is a priority for the EU over the partnership relations it focuses on.

“We must continue efforts for the sake of maintenance of peace,” he said.

Ramil Safarov, the Azerbaijani army officer who was serving a life sentence in Hungary for axing to death Armenian Lt. Gurgen Margaryan, was extradited to Azerbaijan and pardoned by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

Official Yerevan reacted by suspending diplomatic ties with Hungary.

Hungary, however, states that it had sent Safarov back to Azerbaijan after receiving assurances from the Azerbaijani Justice Ministry that Safarov's sentence, which included the possibility of parole after 25 years, would be enforced.

According to some reports, Safarov was extradited to Azerbaijan in exchange for Azeri purchase of Hungarian securities worth euro 2-3 billion, an information official Budapest denies.

“Hungarian prime minister is “morally bankrupt” and should resign after admitting that he personally approved the transfer of the Azeri axe murderer while knowing the likely consequences,” the leader of the opposition Socialists said earlier.

Attila Mesterhazy said it was clear from Orban’s comments at a news conference on Tuesday September 11 that he had been aware that Azerbaijan would release the life-sentenced Ramil Safarov after his repatriation.