Azerbaijani behavior deserves universal condemnation: Serzh Sargsyan

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS: Azerbaijan by its own will becomes the sponsor of criminality. This is unacceptable and condemnable phenomenon which damages "Partnership for Peace" program objectives , seriously endangers regional security in the Southern Caucasus. The President of the Republic of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan came forth a speech in the course of the joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen.

''In the current situation nobody has the right to keep silance, to ignore the incident. It must receive universal condemnation sending a message to the affirmation of justice and exclusion of impunity'' Armenian President noted. Serzh Sargsyan stated that Armenian officer Gurgen Margaryan assassination by Azerbaijani Ramil Safarov with an axe in the course of NATO's "Partnership for Peace" program ‘s English language trainings was so extraordinary and terrifying that there is no need to dwell on it.

''Then Gurgen Margaryan right to live was strictly violated. It seemed that the imprisonment of the murderer was a commensurate response yet August 31 event was a real challenge directed to the sane people. We learnt the criminal was extradited by Hungary Government ans sent to Azerbaijani authorities where he was mmediately granted pardon by Azerbaijani President. In this context I utilize the word ''pardon'' with some reservation. Granting pardon must never be followed by encouragement, the person granted pardon might not be awarded immediately in no country of the world, Armenpress reports.

Armenian President stated Hungary Government step is simply unacceptable , Hungary Government could not be unaware of the heroism of the criminal, may anticipate the assassinate might be released, in case the issue was circulated for many times. ''I express my deepest gratitude to all those Hungarians who demonstrated high morality and support for Armenian nation'' the head of the country stated.

Azerbaijani officer Ramil Safarov slayed with an ax Armenian officer Gurgen Margaryan when the latter was sleeping on February 19 of 2004 in Budapest. The two officers were taking part in English language courses in framework of NATO program in Budapest. Hungarian court sentenced Ramil Safarov to life imprisonment, without a right to be pardoned during the first 30 years in jail. The assassinate was extradited by Hungary Government on August 31. On the same day the criminal was released and awarded by Azerbaijani President. Armenia has suspended its diplomatic relations with Hungary.