Author: Babajanian Karo

Agence France Presse
Sept 1 2012

Armenians burn Hungary flags in protest at killer’s return

(AFP)

YEREVAN – Hundreds of people protested outside the Hungarian consulate
in Yerevan on Saturday after Budapest sent a soldier who murdered an
Armenian back to his native Azerbaijan, where he was pardoned.

Several hundred angry demonstrators burned the Hungarian flag and
threw eggs, tomatoes and coins, accusing Budapest of doing a deal with
Baku in order to profit from Azerbaijan’s energy riches.

“The Hungarians have sold their honour and conscience to the
Azerbaijanis like a common prostitute,” protest organiser Armen
Mkrtchian told AFP.

Yerevan on Friday cut diplomatic ties with Hungary, which Armenian
President Serzh Sarkisian said had made a “grave mistake” in
extraditing the killer, who hacked his victim to death with an axe in
Budapest in 2004.

US President Barack Obama also said he was “deeply concerned” about the pardon.

Hungary however insisted that Azerbaijan had promised that the soldier
would serve out the remainder of his sentence after his return home
and would not be freed.

“Azerbaijan’s justice ministry informed the (Hungarian) justice
ministry… that he would continue to serve the sentence given by the
Hungarian court,” the government said on its website Saturday.

Azerbaijani lieutenant Ramil Safarov was jailed for life after hacking
Armenian officer Gurgen Margarian to death at a military academy in
Budapest where the servicemen were attending English-language courses
organised by NATO.

Safarov claimed that Margarian had insulted Azerbaijan, which fought
Armenia over the disputed region of Nagorny Karabakh in the 1990s.

In another move that infuriated Armenia, Azerbaijan on Saturday
reinstated Safarov to the army and promoted him to the rank of major.

“Defence Minister Safar Abiyev received him, handed him his new rank
and wished him success in his future military service,” a defence
ministry statement said.

Azerbaijan also hit back at US criticism, insisting that the pardon
awarded to Safarov after he had served eight years of his sentence
conformed with a European legal convention on extradition.

“Ramil Safarov was pardoned in accordance with the constitution and
laws of Azerbaijan and the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced
Persons,” presidential administration official Fuad Alekserov said in
a statement.

Armenia-backed separatists seized Nagorny Karabakh from Azerbaijan in
the war that left some 30,000 people dead.

The two sides have not signed a final peace deal since the 1994
ceasefire and there are still regular firefights along the Karabakh
frontline.

Global Voices Online
Sept 1 2012

Hungary: Government Criticized for Its Handling of Ramil Safarov’s Case

The extradition of Ramil Safarov to Azerbaijan was based on the belief
that he would continue to serve his life sentence there (the Hungarian
government claimed this in an official statement [hu] on Friday).
After Azerbaijan gave amnesty to the convicted murderer, however,
Armenia suspended diplomatic relations with Hungary.

In 2004, Safarov was arrested in Hungary and later convicted for
killing Gurgen Margaryan, an Armenian citizen, while both were
participating in a NATO course in Budapest.

The Hungarian government has entered a very sensitive conflict, and
Hungarian bloggers expressed their disappointment over the country’s
extremely unfortunate diplomatic resolution of Safarov’s case. (A GV
text on the reactions of Armenian and Azerbaijani bloggers is here.)

Ã-rülünk, Vincent? blog wrote [hu]:

After the session of the National Security Council, Serzh Sargsyan,
the Armenian President, announced that he gave an order to the
Minister of Defense to put the Armenian Army units on special alert,
and at the same time he announced that they were severing diplomatic
and other ties with Hungary. Wow.

This is the greatest success of the Hungarian diplomacy so far. We
have never gotten into a fight with any country this fast before. [¦]

KettÅ`s Mérce blog’s reaction [hu] was to mock the Hungarian
government’s rhetoric on opening up to and strengthening economic ties
with Azerbaijan:

[¦] But the punchline is still the fact that despite the Azeri
government’s promise that the young man would serve his remaining
term, today the Azeri news agency reported that he got amnesty from
the Azeri president. Long live the policy of opening up to the East,
the reputation of Hungary and the truth that can be bought!

VastagbÅ`r blog cites the main events that led up to the current
situation. The title of the post is `For money, anything’ [hu]:

2004: Ramil Safarov, Zrà – nyi Miklós National Defence University’s Azeri
student, killed with an axe his Armenian fellow student. In his
country he became a hero, because, according to them, killing an
Armenian is [freaking] cool.

2006: The Hungarian court convicted Ramil Safarov to life. Azerbaijan
has continuously demanded the man’s extradition, but the Hungarian
state kept refusing.

July 2012: Viktor Orbán [the Hungarian PM] in Azerbaijan: `closer
cooperation with the Caspian Sea region.’

July 2012: [The Hungarian PM’s spokesman] Péter Szijjártó’s discussion
with the Azeri Minister of Economic Development during his two-day
visit to Baku.

August 23, 2012: A source close to the Ministry for National Economy
told the FigyelÅ` [weekly] that Azerbaijan might buy 2- or 3-year
Hungarian bonds worth 2 or 3 billion Euros. This sum would cover the
majority of our country’s planned foreign currency bond issues this
year.

August 25, 2012: Armenian NGOs protested against the potential
extradition of Ramil Safarov, known as the Azeri axe murderer, who was
convicted and is serving his term in Hungary.

August 31, 2012: Today the [Ministry of Public Administration and
Justice], complying with the demand of Azerbaijan, transferred the
convicted murderer to Baku, since `the Azeri ministry informed the
[Ministry of Public Administration and Justice] that they woulnd’t
alter Safarov’s conviction, but directly countinue carrying out the
conviction based upon the Hungarian sentence.

While no official comment has been released on behalf of Hungary
regarding the suspension of diplomatic ties with Armenia yet,
Hungarian social media users are circulating the U.S. statement
condemning the extradition.

Due to the flood of English-language comments critizing the Hungarian
government, commenting has been disabled on PM Viktor Orbán’s offical
Facebook page. Harsh comments have also been posted on the Facebook
page of the Embassy of Hungary in the United States.

Arsen Kharatyan, who protested in front of the Hungarian Embassy in
Washington, D.C., shared a photo of himself holding a poster that
read, `Buy justice in Hungary for 2 bln. $.’

The Anti-Defamation League is a Bully Who Defames the Armenian People

– August 31, 2012

By
Shahkeh Yaylaian Setian

We all know that the national Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has long refused
to forthrightly acknowledge the factuality of the Armenian genocide and has
actively helped Turkey defeat U.S. Congressional resolutions about it.

Since 2007 the ADL’s immoral, hypocritical position has prompted over a
dozen Massachusetts cities to toss out
()
the ADL’s alleged anti-bias program, `No Place for Hate.’

With these facts in mind, I attended a presentation on `bullying and
anti-Semitism’ by the ADL’s New England Regional Director, Derrek L.
Shulman, at the Jewish Congregation in Falmouth, MA on July 22.

I asked Mr. Shulman two questions during the question and comment period.

Question #1: Would you comment on the ADL’s lobbying the U.S. Congress each
year to defeat the Armenian Genocide recognition resolution?

Shulman’s answer: `We are opposed to the resolution as are others such
as
members of Congress and the President.’

Of course, that was no answer at all. Plenty of members of Congress
support the resolution. In 2007, the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee,
headed by a Jewish American, voted in favor of the Armenian genocide
resolution. And several Jewish American organizations support passage of
the resolution.

Question #2: Would you comment on Turkey’s threat that it cannot guarantee
the safety of Jews in Turkey if the ADL does not succeed in defeating the
Armenian genocide resolution?

Shulman’s answer: `I don’t know about that.’

It is well-known that in 2007, when the `No Place for Hate’ issue and the
genocide resolution were being extensively reported by the media, ADL
National Director Abe Foxman said that one reason he opposed the resolution
was anxiety about Jews in Turkey. At that time, Turkish Foreign Minister
Ali Babacan made this threat: `We have told them [the ADL and other Jewish
groups] that we cannot explain it to the Turkish public if a road accident
happens. We have told them that we cannot keep the Jewish people out of
this.’

Shulman is a clever speaker who digresses when put on the spot. His
background may partly explain his evasive answers. Before being hired by
the ADL, Shulman was a political director of AIPAC, the American Israel
Public Affairs Committee. AIPAC has admitted that it has lobbied Congress
on Turkey’s behalf to defeat the Armenian resolution.

As such, Shulman is an appropriate spokesperson for the ADL, which has
become a political organization posing as a human rights group. It made a
deal with the devil – genocide-denying Turkey – and is sticking to that
deal.

Shulman said that the ADL was a driving force behind the creation of
Massachusetts’ anti-bullying law for schools and is a leading voice
nationwide on the issue of bullying.

It’s rather ironic that ADL preaches against bullying while at the same
time it uses its considerable political weight to bully Congress into
defeating the Armenian genocide resolution. The ADL is also an agent of a
bullying country, Turkey, and as such wears the mantle of bully.

Is `anti-bullying’ another way that the ADL is working its way into public
schools and communities under the guise of being a human rights
organization? The ADL has no right to insinuate itself into the public
arena through such an important issue as bullying.

The ADL was founded with the noble mission of fighting bias against Jews,
but has morphed into a political entity that, while claiming to uphold
human rights, commits a human rights abuse by opposing recognition of the
Armenian genocide.

All Americans, including those of Armenian descent, must continue to
counter the ADL’s immoral stance on the Armenian genocide and oppose its
attempts to penetrate communities under the pretext of human rights.

# # #

The author holds a Doctorate in Education from the University of
Massachusetts at Amherst. Her recent book on the Armenian genocide,
Humanity in the Midst of Inhumanity, is available on

World Chess Olympiad-2012: Armenia leads

news.am
September 1

Armenian men’s chess national defeated the Ukranian national by
2.5:1.5 in the fifth round at the 40th World Chess Olympiad in
Istanbul, Turkey and heads the ratings with absolute results.

Russian national also has five victories. Armenia’s Vladimir Hakobyan
and Ukraine’s Andrey Volokitin decided to end their match in a draw on
the 56th move. Other matches between the Armenian and Ukrainian chess
players that ended in a draw included Gabriel Sargissian-Pavel Elyanov
and Sergey Movsesian-Ruslan Ponomarev pairs.

At the same time matches between the Hungarian and Russian nationals
ended with 1.5:2.5 score.

Armenia’s most likely opponent on Sept. 3 may be Russia’s national.

Armenian officer, which survives from Safarov’s ax: I won’t calm down

2012-09-01 16:00:15

Ramil Safarov, which axed Armenia’s officer Gurgen Margaryan in
peaceful conditions, is in freedom. Yesterday Hungary’s state agencies
extradited him to Azerbaijan, where Ilham Aliyev immediately pardoned
him. Yesterday whole Armenian population was in shock. But there is
one person, which was the most excited, nervous and rebellious under
the circumstances. This person is RA MD board secretary, which was
attending military English courses with Gurgen, Hayk Makuchyan, whom
Safarov also tried to ax after having axed Gurgen Margaryan.
Below is Lurer.com’s exclusive interview with Hayk Makuchyan.

How did you feel after having learnt news of Safarov’s extradition and
then news of his release?
First, the sensitive reaction was inexplicable indignation. The most
incomprehensible was Hungary’s behavior to me. It can’t be justified
in any way. The country which considers itself a European family
member, shouldn’t have taken this step, knowing he wouldn’t be
punished. During the whole process of the trial Hungary was informed
what atmosphere is there in Azerbaijan, and how the murderer is
treated as a hero all over Azerbaijan. Hungary didn’t have the right
to act this way. I have nothing to say to about Azerbaijan, this is
their behavior, I didn’t expect them to act in other way.
You have been recognized as an injured party. What are your future
steps to support somehow your rights as an injured party?
Not somehow but by all methods. Now I’m studying legal and other
levels to support my interests at international instances. At the
moment I can’t say in detail, but I’m going to fight making use all
the means for justice and verdict enforcement, this is doubtless.
Is it possible that you submit a claim against Hungary?
I don’t exclude anything…

Azerbaijani Defence Ministry gave a new flat to blood-mad Safarov

16:14, 1 September, 2012

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 1, ARMENPRESS: Defence Ministry of Azerbaijan gave
a new flat to blood-mad Ramil Safarov who had murdered with an axe
sleeping Armenian officer Gurgen Margaryan. Safarov had been
extradited from Hungary to Azerbaijan on August 31. As Armenpress
reports about this inform Azerbaijani media. It is mentioned that the
Defence Ministry of Azerbaijan also gave to the murderer his salary
for eight years which he spent in Hungarian prison.

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 authorites made a decision to extradite Safarov to
Azerbaijan.

Safarov thanks Turkey: for what?

ARMRADIO.AM
01.09.2012 15:54

Ramil Safarov, who axed Armenian army officer Gurgen Margaryan in
Budapest back in 2004, has expressed gratitude to Turkey and its
people for the kind attitude towards him.

`I know that from the very first day Turkey was demonstrating interest
towards the situation I had found myself in. I’ve always felt the
support of Turkey. It’s a wonderful feeling to be in the motherland.
I’m glad to be with the Azerbaijani nation again. I never lost my hope
to return to motherland and I believed that the Supreme Commander
(Ilham Aliyev) would once solve the issue,’ Safarov said during a
meeting with Turkish reporters, Regnum reports.

Upon his arrival in Baku Safarov was received by Azerbaijani Defense
Minister Safar Abiyev and was conferred the rank of major.

‘Agreement during Hungarian Premier’s visit decisive in Ramil Safarov’s issue’

Sat 01 September 2012 05:49 GMT | 6:49 Local Time

Novruz Mammadov

Newtimes.az interviews head of the foreign relations department of the
Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan Novruz Mammadov.
Ramil Safarov is said to have been extradited to Azerbaijan and
pardoned by the President of Azerbaijan.

Yes, he is in Azerbaijan. This is a great news for all of us. It is
very touching to see this son of the homeland, which was thrown in
jail after he defended his country’s honor and dignity of the people.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed an order to pardon Ramil
Safarov, as soon as he set foot in Azerbaijan. The Head of State once
again proved that he is the President of every citizen of the country.

But, unfortunately, there are people who have attributed Safarov’s
return home to others. False information in connection with Safarov’s
release was distributed. Everyone should understand that the
extradition of Ramil Safarov to Azerbaijan is a sensitive topic. This
issue carried a special political burden. The Armenian side has
conducted anti-Azerbaijani campaign, invented various charges on this.

Therefore, steps to extradite Ramil Safarov to Azerbaijan were taken
in a completely closed environment. Secret talks have been held under
the serious control of President of Azerbaijan for about a year. At
the same time Ilham Aliyev supervised the negotiations between the law
enforcement agencies of Azerbaijan and Hungary for a long time. A
crucial role in the resolution of this issue belonged to an agreement
reached during the visit of the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
Ramil Safarov was extradited to Azerbaijan through the determination
and perseverance of the President of Azerbaijan.

There simply was not necessary to inform the public about this
sensitive topic ahead of time. There is no doubt that our nation is
well aware of and appreciate it. But some people have tried to gain
dividends on this. They should have read the “Order of the President
of Azerbaijan on pardoning Ramil Safarov” of 31 August 2012. Truth is
presented there.

News.Az

Hungarian scientist of Armenian studies joins protest

Saturday,
September 01 Politics

Zigmund Benedect who is a famous Hungarian scientist of Armenian
studies joins protest held in front of the RA NFA by many NGOs. He
mentioned that the Hungarians are ashamed of the step undertaken by
their government and criticize the policy of their state.

The protest is against the extradition of the Azerbaijani murderer
Rafil Safarov by the Hungarian authorities.

The scientist of Armenian studies assured that this step will be
followed by political consequences in Hungary. `Hungarian people as
well condemns the extradition of Safarov and the Hungarians consider
the Armenians as friendly people with whom they have lived together
side by side.’

TODAY, 15:11

Aysor.am

Protest-demonstration outside Hungarian Consulate (photos, video)

14:43 – 01.09.12

The Hungarians deserve real disrespect as they sold themselves to the
Azerbaijanis like real prostitutes, a group of young activists
protesting outside the Hungarian Consulate said today.

The crowd voiced its criticism against the Hungarian authorities’
decision to return the convicted Azerbaijani officer, Ramil Safarov,
to his home country.

The protest had brought together activists of the youth union Hayazn,
as well as bloggers and a number of others who criticized the
decision.

`Let us all of us buy those prostitutes, throw coins at them and burn
their flag; this is what they deserve,’ they said, throwing coins at
the Hungarian flag and burning the piece.

While the protest was going on, several young protesters headed to the
Foreign Ministry to voice a note of protest.

The first made a statement, condemning the Hungarian government’s
decision, and then hailed the Armenian authorities’ decision to cut
diplomatic ties with the country.

`NATO too, has its share of responsibility, so it is necessary to
clarify our steps with the alliance, and think of calling back our
peace-keepers,’ one of the protest organizers, Armen Aghayan, told
Tert.am.

Before the protest was due to begin, the chief of Armenia’s
presidential staff, Vigen Sargsyan, visited the foreign office.

Safarov axed Armenian officer Gurgen Margaryan to death in 2004 when
they both were in Hungary for a Nato-organized English language
training. The Budapest City Court sentenced Safarov to life
imprisonment in 2006, without any right to appeal against the ruling
for 30 years.

But after being transferred to Azerbaijan, the murderer was granted
pardon by the country’s president, Ilham Aliyev.

The Armenian authorities voiced yesterday their intention to sever
diplomatic ties with Hungary.

The decision to pardon Safarov has been also condemned by US President
Barrack Obama, the Department of State, and several congressmen.