June 6, 2005 - 12:19 AMT
ARMENIA GRATEFUL TO EQUATORIAL GUINEA FOR PARDONING PILOTS
In order to organize the return of the Armenian pilots to the homeland special representative of the RA Foreign Ministry Gevorg Petrosian departed for Malabo today. To remind, Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo signed the decree on pardoning the 6 Armenian pilots. The President stated that the decree is the manifestation of good will and was signed on the eve of his birthday. Thus, commander Ashot Karapetian, co-pilot Samvel Darbinian, navigator Savmel Machkalian, mechanics Razmik Khachatrian and Suren Muradian and engeneer Ashot Simonian have been declared not guilty. The law enforcers were ordered to execute the President's decree and start the process of conveying the pilots to the Armenian party. Armenia expresses its gratitude to the President and the authorities of Equatorial Guinea for understanding and humanity.