Armenia–Hungary relations

Armenia – Hungary relations

Armenia	Hungary

Armenia–Hungary relations refer to the diplomatic relations between the Republic of Armenia and Hungary.

Background

Since the end of World War II, the two countries were under communist domination as both Hungary (Hungarian People's Republic) and Armenia (Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic) was a satellite state and the constituent republic of the Soviet Union respectively.

Diplomatic relations between the two nations started at the end of the Cold War, mainly with the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.

• Armenia is represented in Hungary through its embassy in Vienna, Austria, and an honorary consulate in Budapest, Hungary.
• Hungary is represented in Armenia through its embassy in Tbilisi, Georgia, and an honorary consulate in Yerevan, Armenia.

There are around 15,000 people of Armenian descent living in Hungary.

Severing of diplomatic relations

On 31 August 2012, Armenia severed relations with Hungary following the extradition of Ramil Safarov – convicted of murdering Armenian Lieutenant Gurgen Margaryan in Hungary in 2004 – to Azerbaijan. Safarov was pardoned upon returning despite the assurances of the Ministry of Justice to Hungary that his sentence would be enforced. The move follows a deteriorating Armenian-Azeri relationship since a ceasefire ended the Nagorno-Karabakh War in 1994.^[1]

In Yerevan, protesters threw tomatoes at the building of Hungary's honorary consulate and tore down the flag of Hungary. The United States also criticised the decision to free Safarov.^[2] In April 2013, Armenia’s acting Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandyan said that "Armenia [was] ready to settle relations with Hungary, but Budapest should undertake steps".^[3]

References

1. Gorondi, Pablo (2012-08-29). "Azerbaijani military officer serving life for murder in Hungary is freed when sent home". Montrealgazette.com. Archived from the original on 2012-11-11. Retrieved 2012-09-02.
2. "Statement by NSC Spokesman Tommy Vietor on Azerbaijan's Decision to Pardon Ramil Safarov | The White House". Whitehouse.gov. Retrieved 2012-09-02.
3. "Armenia ready to settle relations with Hungary". Tert.am.