From Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO:  I am deeply concerned by the Azerbaijani decision to pardon the Azerbaijani army officer Safarov. The act he committed in 2004 was a terrible crime that should not be glorified. The pardon damages trust and does not contribute to the peace process.  There must be no return to conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.  Tensions in this region must be reduced, and concrete steps must be taken to promote regional cooperation and reconciliation. . . .

The countries of this region have been locked in conflict for too long.  It is time to build peace.

Excerpts from speech by NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen at the Yerevan State University in Yerevan, Armenia.  (photo: NATO)

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