Armenian News-NEWS.am presents an interview with Head of EU Delegation to Armenia Traian Hristea.
EU representatives have already issued statements on extradition and pardoning of Ramil Safarov. In particular, concerns were expressed with regard to the possible consequences/implications, which the situation could have in the South Caucasus region in general. Do you think the EC could take up steps towards normalization of the situation?
The EU continues to make a substantial contribution to regional stability. The unresolved conflicts in the South Caucasus continue to represent the primary threats to the region's stability. The status quo is inherently unstable. The conflicts are dangerous in their current state as they have the potential to escalate. The EU continues its strong commitment in support of the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, drawing on the instruments at the EU’s disposal, and in close consultation with the OSCE Minsk group. We support the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group in their efforts to secure substantial progress in the peace process in Nagorno-Karabakh with a view to finding a lasting, comprehensive settlement in accordance with the international law.
OSCE MG member states were also concerned with the news Ramil Safarov’s extradition and pardoning. Particularly US has announced that it is expecting Budapest’s and Baku’s explanation. Does the EC intend to join the demand or express publicly its intention to receive explanation?
While I cannot speak for the Hungarian government, I would like to stress that the transfer per se is in line with international humanitarian standards, notably the Convention of Strasbourg on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons of 21 March 1983. Azerbaijani Army officer Ramil Safarov, convicted for the murder of Armenian Army officer Gurgen Margaryan, was transferred to serve the rest of his life sentence in his homeland Azerbaijan. At the same time, I am very concerned with what happened after the transfer. Let me recall what Commissioner Vassiliou said on 13 September in the European Parliament on behalf of High Representative/Vice-President Ashton: The Azerbaijani decisions including the pardoning of Mr Safarov and steps which have widely been seen as rewarding his crime are deeply regrettable. The handling of this case has the potential to further complicate the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, as well as potentially the Eastern Partnership agenda.
Statements of EU representatives express concerns about possibility of escalation of the situation, but no assessment to the fact of pardoning of the criminal. Do you think that is it mere contradiction to European values that the criminal is pardoned in opposition to the decision of the court?
The spokespersons of HR/VP Ashton and Commissioner in a joint statement expressed concern and I have just been referring also to the statement of Commissioner Vassiliou at the European Parliament. There was also a highly critical resolution of the European Parliament. I share the deep concern and regret for the damage done, both to the peace process and to trust, by the pardon, and by the glorification by some, of the crime committed by Mr Safarov. At the same time, you will understand that I insist on calling for restraint, not just in actions, but in words as well. We have to keep working for peace, because only with a foundation of peace and stability will the other goals we are striving towards have lasting value.
