Australia disappointed about Safarov extradition

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 28, ARMENPRESS:The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) hasadded its voice in the international condemnation and criticism of Azerbaijan’spardon of convicted axe-murderer Ramil Safarov, reports Armenpress citing Armenian National Committee of Australia. In late August 2012, Hungarian authorities extradited Safarov back to Azerbaijanafter receiving ''assurances'' from Baku that he would serve the remainderof his sentence in Azerbaijan. However, upon his return to Baku, Azerbaijan’spresident Ilham Aliyev pardoned Safarov, and he is now being hailed as a nationalhero.In a letter received by the Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC Australia) in response toa formal request for comment by Foreign Minister Bob Carr, his department DFATstated: "The Australian Government is disappointed by the decision of PresidentAliyev to pardon Safarov."DFAT noted that this issue occurred against the backdropof the Narogno-Karabakh conflict and that ''Azerbaijan's actions have the potential toundermine the ongoing mediation process under the OSCE Minsk Group.''ANC Australia Executive Director Vache Kahramanian welcomed the Australian government's statement.He said: "We welcomethe Australian government’s response to this important issue. Today Azerbaijanis a country that continues to act as an aggressor towards Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. It is therefore important for the international community to raise its voiceand condemn such actions."