The first chairman of Slovakian National Council František Mikloško commented on recent extradition and release of Azeri criminal Ramil Safarov, given a life sentence in Hungary over the murder of an Armenian lieutenant.

“It is unfortunate that Hungarian government of today agreed to trade justice for petrodollars in extraditing the criminal to Azerbaijan, where he was granted pardon and hailed as a national hero,” The Forum of Armenian Associations of Europe cited Mikloško as saying.

“I believe it’s not too late for Hungary to partially redress its mistake by demanding that Safarov is returned to be put back to Hungarian prison. The government of Armenia suspended diplomatic ties with Hungary, whose actions may undermine the progress in Karabakh settlement.”

“It’s crucial for Hungary to demand the return of Safarov over non-compliance with the agreement,” Miklosko said, urging European states to recognize Karabakh independence to prevent recurrence of such crimes in future.