YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS: European Parliament President Martin Schulz made a statement after Ramil Safarov was pardoned by Azerbaijan's President.

As Armenpress was informed at the press center of the European Parliament, President Schulz stated: "The convention on the transfer of sentenced people should not be abused for political purpose. I am disturbed by what appears to be a politically motivated pardon of Mr Safarov by the President of Azerbaijan. At the same time, I urge Azerbaijan and Armenia to avoid any moves and statements that might exacerbate the situation."

On February 19 of 2004 in Budapest Azerbaijani officer Ramil Safarov slayed with an ax Armenian officer Gurgen Margaryan when the latter was sleeping. 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. On August 31 of 2012 Hungarian authorities made a decision to extradite Safarov to Azerbaijan where he was immediately pardoned by the president of Azerbaijan Ramil Safarov. As a result of this Hungarian-Azerbaijani deal Armenia suspended diplomatic relations with Hungary.