By extraditing and releasing the axe-killer Ramil Safarov, Azerbaijan and Turkey meant to escalate the Karabakh conflict, says Stepan Safaryan, a member of the opposition Heritage party.
"Azerbaijan's main objective is to attract the attention of the international community and put the issue on the international agenda. Turkey seeks to be included in the OSCE Minsk Group as a co-chairing country," says Mr. Safaryan.
In the given situation Armenia should take steps in Karabakh talks and raise the issue on the international level. The Heritage representative is surprised that Armenia has not posed its demands to the international community in view of Safarov's extradition and glorification.
"We should make use of the situation and take definite steps. Safarov should be handed over to the international justice and serve his full punishment," he stressed.
Asked whether he is likely to replace Heritage Leader Raffi Hovannisian in the Armenian parliament, Stepan Safaryan said, "The issue has not been discussed yet. However, the person coming next in the party list will probably fill the seat," he said.
On September 10, Raffi Hovannisian submitted an application to put down his parliamentary mandate. According to parliamentary regulations, if Hovannisian does not recall his application within 15 days, it will be accepted.
