Azerbaijan tests EU credibility

Commentary feature. International criticism and concern grew in September 2012 following the release of a convicted murderer after his transfer from Hungary to Azerbaijan.

Soldier Ramil Safarov had killed Armenian soldier Gurgen Markarian at a military academy in Budapest in 2004, where both servicemen attended English-language courses organised by Nato.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: European Commission announces support for justice and migration in Azerbaijan http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-european-commission-announces-support-for-justice-and-migration-in-azerbaijan/

BBC News, 3.9.12: Azeri killer Ramil Safarov: Concern over Armenian anger http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-19463968

EU: EEAS: Press Release, A389/12: Statement by the spokespersons of EU High Representative Catherine Ashton and Commissioner Štefan Füle on the release of Ramil Safarov Safarov killed Armenian soldier Gurgen Markarian at a military academy in Budapest in 2004, where both servicemen attended English-language courses organised by Nato.

http://eeas.europa.eu/azerbaijan/index_en.htm http://eeas.europa.eu/azerbaijan/index_en.htm

OSCE: Press Release, 3.9.12: OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs meet with the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan http://www.osce.org/mg/93343

EUObserver, 3.9.12: Axe murder complicates EU-Azerbaijan love affair http://euobserver.com/foreign/117404

BBC News, 6.9.12: Azeri killer Ramil Safarov: Nato chief 'concerned' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-19499151

NATO: Press Release, 6.9.12: NATO Secretary General commends strong partnership with Armenia http://www.nato.int/cps/en/SID-511AF59F-FDDDD96D/natolive/news_89732.htm

The Economist, 8.9.12: Armenia, Azerbaijan and Hungary. The axeman goeth http://www.economist.com/node/21562199

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