The European Union (EU) is demanding explanations from Azerbaijan, as it appears to have abandoned pledges it made to EU member Hungary ahead of the handover and subsequent pardon of Ramil Safarov, and this behavior is endangering the fragile situation in the region, spokeswoman for Catherine Ashton—the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission—Maja Kocijancic told RFE/RL.  

“According to what we know now, on the basis of the information gathered, it would appear that certain conditions and commitments that were agreed between Hungary and Azerbaijan on the transfer of Ramil Safarov have not been met, and in that respect we will continue—or we will try—to be in touch with the Azeri side to hear the explanation why this has happened and why the behavior that is endangering the fragile situation in the region is continuing,” Kocijancic said.

In response to the query as to whether sanctions could be applied against official Baku, the European official stated:

“This refers to what we want to see in the region. We have our special envoy to the Caucasus, we have resident delegations, we follow the situation, and we will see accordingly whether there is a need for additional steps.” 

As Armenian News-NEWS.am informed earlier, EU called upon the authorities of Armenia and Azerbaijan not to escalate the tension in bilateral ties, as a result of Ramil Safarov’s extradition to Azerbaijan, RIA Novosti News Agency of Russia reported, quoting EU foreign relations chief Catherine Ashton’s representative Maja Kocjancic.     

“We call upon Azerbaijan and Armenia to manifest restraint in [making] public statements, so they may refrain from any escalation [of tension] in this situation,” Kocjancic told reporters in Brussels.   

According to her, the EU is concerned about the possible consequences which this situation could have for the entire South Caucasus region.

Following this statement, however, some leading European circles criticized Catherine Ashton for an inadequate and a mild reaction.