Hungary is ready to restore relations with Armenia anytime, Hungary’s Ambassador to Georgia Sandor Szabo told Public Radio of Armenia.

Armenia suspended the diplomatic relations with Hungary in August 2012 when the latter extradited Azerbaijani officer Ramil Safarov, who had axed to death Armenian officer Gurgen Margaryan during NATO courses in Budapest.
The Ambassador noted that immediately after the suspension, his government took steps on the level of the Foreign Minister to reestablish diplomatic relations.

“Unfortunately, these steps were not successful, but we should never give up,” the Ambassador said. He is hopeful the issue will be solved very soon, and through diplomatic channels and negotiations.

Szabo said both sides should take steps to mend ties because the solution of the issue is the task of the two parties.
Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian said recently that Armenia is ready to restore diplomatic relations with Hungary, but it expects Budapest to make the first step.

“He’s right that the Armenian side is waiting for Hungary’s steps, but as I told you, the Hungarian side has taken those steps, and not only once. Hungarian Foreign Minister János Martonyi sent a letter to his Armenian counterpart soon after the known events.

“Besides, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Hungary sent a note verbale to the Armenian Foreign Ministry to express our willingness to reestablish diplomatic relations. But, unfortunately, there has been no progress so far.
“We think these steps on the Foreign Minister’s level should find a positive response from your country,” the Ambassador said.

Asked whether Hungary may recognize the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, Szabo said this matter is not on the agenda not solely in Hungary, but in many other countries.

“Hungary is not late, as Armenia [likewise] has not yet recognized the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh,” he said.
Sandor Szabo hopes to visit Armenia one day not only as a Hungarian citizen, but in his capacity as a Hungarian ambassador, to meet with people and start the cooperation planned two years ago, when he presented his credentials to the Armenian President.

“It is my wish,” he concluded.