7TH ANNIVERSARY OF TERRORIST ACT IN ARMENIAN PARLIAMENT
OCTOBER 27, 1999
(VIDEO 1)( Video 2 ) *
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At 17:13 armed terrorists broke into the NA session hall and started to shoot at the officials sitting in the first rows.
They killed:
NA Speaker Karen Demirchyan;
RA Prime Minister Vazgen Sargsyan;
NA deputy Speakers Yuri Bakhshyan,
and Rouben Miroyan;
deputies Michael Kotanyan, Henrik Abrahamyan, Armenak Armenakyan,
Minister of Regional Government Leonard Petrosyan.
Deputies and Ministers were injured.
Those who were alive were kept hostages in the NA session hall.
The official sources did not report about the death of the first officials of the country for five hours.
Only after 10:00 p.m. the President's residence made a statement about victims.
Late in the evening the dead bodies were taken out of the Parliament building. The negotiations with the terrorists went on until dawn. Even the President of the country met them.
Early in the morning the hostages were set free and the terrorists yielded themselves prisoners getting guarantees of security.
The October 27 trial started In January 2001 and lasted about three years. In the meantime Armenia became member of the CoE, ratified the European convention on Human Rights and its 6th protocol, eliminating capital punishment once and for all.
The terrorists who cruelly shot the first officials of the country were sentenced to life imprisonment
27 October
Terrorists Seize the Armenian Parliament - 27 october, 17:10
Robert Kocharyan, the RA president, entered the building of the National Assembly. On October 27, at 18:30, Robert Kocharyan, the RA president, entered the NA building. By 18.50, he was still inside the building. 3 people have left the building. Journalists didn't manage to find out who they were.
("Noyan Tapan" agency, 27.10.99)
First interview with the terrorist. At 22:00 "Ar" telecompany broadcasted the first interview by phone with Nairi Hunanyan, leader of the terrorist group.
28 October
The statement of Robert Kocharyan, the RA president.
Henrik Abrahamyan was killed. According to the president's press service, Henrik Abrahamyan, the ex editor-in-chief of "Hayastan" newspaper, was also among the dead.
("Armenpress" agency)
The president met the heads of parliamentary groups and factions. According to the presidential press service, Armenian president Robert Kocharyan met the leaders of the groups and factions represented in the National Assembly.
("Armenpress" agency)
Vice-speaker R. Miroyan and deputy A. Armenakyan were killed. The press vice speaker of the National Assembly Ruben Miroyan and MP Armenak Armenakyan were also among the victims of the tragic event in the Parliament. Negotiations with the gunmen continue. President Robert Kocharyan entered the Parliament building after the tragic event.
("Armenpress" agency)
Direct negotiations of the terrorists with the president of the Republic of Armenia started. Direct negotiations between the terrorist leader Nairi Hunanyan and the president of Armenia Robert Kocharyan started, Andranik Margaryan, a deputy of the parliament and the leader of the Republican party told a correspondent from "A1+" TV company.
(Avet Demuryan, corr. of "Novosti" Russian News Agency)
The situation is under control of the President. According to the president's press service the President arrived in the National Assembly. He took the control of the situation and is leading negotiations.
("Armenpress" agency)
01:20. "A1+" company broadcasts the telephone interview with Nairi Hunanyan. According to Hunanayn, investigators were invited into the building so that authorities can determine if the majority of the victims died from shots fired from Parliament guards. Hunanyan denies the fact that he has taken hostages stating that all the people in the session hall are there voluntarily. He states that they can freely leave the premises.
Russian special forces arrive. 35 cars of Russian special forces groups entered the territory of the parliament of Armenia this morning. All the cars were accompanied by Armenian soldiers. (Avet Demuryan, corr. of "Novosti" Russian News Agency)
Statements of the President of the Republic of Armenia Robert Kocharyan and Nairi Hunanyan, head of the armed group of terrorists.
The letter of condolence of the All Armenian Catholicos Garegin II to the President of Armenia and people of Armenia. Garegin II, the newly elected All-Armenian Catholicos sent a letter of condolence to the president of the Republic of Armenia.
The gunmen surrender their weapons. On October 28 at 10.30AM the freed hostages exited the Parliament. As told to "Armenpress" agency by the press service of the President, The gunmen surrendered their weapon to the authorities. Soon all the hostages will be set free.
("Armenpress" agency)
The gunmen are arrested. According to the press service of the President, the hostages and the members of the Parliament had been freed at 11AM. The gunmen were arrested and sent to the RA Ministry of National Security accompanied by Andranik Margaryan, the head of "Miasnutyun" ("Unity") bloc, and Grigor Grigoryan, the deputy minister of National Security.
("Armenpress" agency)
Special forces prepare to enter the building . Unconfirmed reports from journalistsm state that due to unsuccessful negotiations headed by Robert Kocharyan, special forces groups were getting ready to take over the National Assembly. Members include the "Alfa" group and a number of celebrated members of "Yerkrapah" union.
The operations were scheduled to start by 10AM. By 10.15 the terorists surrendered , having accepted the guarantees of Robert Kocharyan. Journalists still don't know yet what kind of guarantees these are. Journalists claim to have seen the car of Levon Ter-Petrossian, the ex-president of Armenia. We cannot confirm this information.
At 10.55, more than 10 cars and a bus, accompanied by armed soldiers, left the gates of the parliament at Demirchyan street. Supposedly, the gunmen were in the bus. They were sent to the Ministry of National security.
"Armenpress" agency
An interview with a freed hostage. Our correspondent Lilit Kalantaryan managed to have an interview with one of the rescued hostages – Seyran Avagyan, a member of the National Democratic Union party.
L.K.: Mr. Avagyan, how did it happen that the terrorists surrendered and set you free?
S. A.: They gave their demands. The guys from the Ministry of National Security did a great job. The two sides compromised and the terrorists gave up, surrendering their weapons.
L.K.: Whom did they surrender to? To the National Security guys?
S. A.: Yes.
L.K.: All night long the TV companies were informing that the situation was quiet. Was it right?
S. A.: After the first part (after the assassinations) everything was quiet.
ARFD: Nairi Hunanyan has nothing to do with Dashnaktsutyun. The ARFD Supreme Body stated that Nairi Hunanyan had been excluded from ARFD a few years ago, and, up to these days, he didn't have any relations to Dashnaktsutyun. The Supreme Body of ARFD of Armenia made an official statement about it.
("Noyan Tapan" Agency)
An excerpt from the interview with Vazgen Manukyan, head of the National Democratic Union.
V. M.: They had two demands: to appear on the live television, and the second one was – that they were to be guaranteed a fair trial. It seems as if theyare working alone but this is unconfirmed. It was a group of people that were rather clear about their mission – they called it a mission , and not a terrorist act.
(The interview was carried out by Lilit Kalantaryan)
Andranik Manukyan is alive. As a result of the attack in the National Assembly, Andranik Manukyan, Member of Parliament, was wounded and taken to a hospital in Yerevan where he underwent a surgical operation. This morning a number of mass media has spread the news that A. Manukyan had died in the hospital. At the hospital, we were informed that at about 12 o'clock Mr. Manukyan was taken to Erebuni medical center since he needed a CAT scan. Gaguik Mkhoyan, head of the reanimation department of Erebuni clinical hospital, stated that Mr. Manukyan's health condition remained critical.
("Armenpress" agency)
The wounded deputies are being provided with medical aid. 8 deputies with wounds of various degrees were taken to the 3rd clinical hospital of Yerevan. According to the clinic director, academician Mikael Kotanyan had been pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.. Physicians say that Hermine Naghdalyan's and Armen Khachatryan's condition was "satisfactory". The best experts in facial surgery struggled for more than 6 hours for Armen Manukyan's life. According to them, the right side of the patient's face is almost completely smashed. Currently, he is at the "Erebuni" medical center. His condition remains severe. Physicians evaluated Pavel Galtaghchyan's condition also as "satisfactory". According to the hospital director, Edmond Tsaturyan is in satisfactory condition and his life is out of danger.
("Armenpress" agency)
Robert Kocharyan had a meeting with the NA permanent commissions of the Republic of Armenia. At 13.00, Robert Kocharyan had a meeting with the NA permanent commissions of the Republic of Armenia. At the session, it was resolved to organize a meeting between the president and the heads of the NA fractions at 16.00. A meeting with all the deputies of the RA National Assembly is scheduled at 17.00.
In connection with the terror act that took place on October 27 in the building of the National Assembly of Armenia, the political parties of Armenia made statements.
("Armenpress" Agency)
The announcement of Levon Ter-Petrossyan, the ex-president of the Republic of Armenia. The office of Levon Ter-Petrossyan has introduced the announcement of the first President of the country on the tragic events that took place at the National Assembly on October 27.
("Armenpress" agency)
The Ministry of Defense demands the dismissal of the general prosecutor, ministers of National security and internal affairs. On October 28, the Minister of defense made a statement
("Armenpress" agency)
A criminal case was submitted concerning the"terrorism article". A criminal case according the article 61 "terrorism" of the criminal code was submitted by the general prosecutor's office connected with the tragic events of October 27. The initial investigation is being carried out by the investigatory department of the general prosecutor's office. That's what the "Armenpress" correspondent was told in the department of public relations and mass media of the general prosecutor's office
("Armenpress" agency)
The members of the armed group are being questioned now in the Ministry of the National Security. The people who committed the armed attack on the National Parliament at October 27 are now in the Ministry of National Security and are being questioned by the investigators from the general prosecutor's office of Armenia. This information was given to a correspondent of "Armenpress" by the deputy minister of Defense Grigor Grigorian. Mr. Grigorian said the members of the group did not demand anything while he was accompanying them to the Ministry. One of them gave his "Makarov" pistol to Mr. Grigorian.
("Armenpress" agency)
The funeral of the chairman of the National Parliament of the Republic of Armenia and the prime-minister will probably take place at October 31. "We discussed the questions connected with the funeral of the NP chairman Karen Demirchian and the prime-minister Vazgen Sarkissian with the President; most probably, the funeral will take place on Sunday, October 31", - says Vahan Hovannisian, a member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsutiun)" According to him, the questions connected with the inner political situation of the country, and the statement of the Ministry of Defense about the resignation of the leaders were not discussed. .
("Armenpress" agency)
The funeral of the chairman of the National Parliament of the Republic of Armenia and the Prime Minister will probably take place at October 31.
"We discussed the questions connected with the funeral of the NP of the Republic of Armenia Karen Demirchyan and the Prime Minister Vazgen Sarkissyan with the President; most probably, the funeral will take place on Sunday, October 31", - said the member of the supreme body of the Revolutionary Federation of Dashnaktsutiun Vahan Hovannisyan after the closed meeting between the President, the representatives of the fractions of NP and the leaders of the permanent commissions. According to his words, the questions connected with the inner political situation of the country, and the statement of the Ministry of Defense about the resignation of the leaders of the legal instances were not discussed, which, though, contradicts to the words of the leader of the party "Orinats yerkir" ("The legal country") Arthur Bagdasaryan. V. Hovannisyan thinks that such statements and calls are normal for the country that went through the shock, but pressuring or putting conditions and trying by that to get use of the situation is not acceptable. In his turn, the first secretary of the communist party of Armenia Sergey Badalyan called the statement "emotional" and said, that it haven't been discussed among the members of the Parliament yet. Mr. Badalyan, however, would not exclude the possibility that the members of the Parliament may want to discuss it.
29 October
Mourning is declared, and a State commission on organizing the funerals is created. In order to organize the funerals of the celebrated state and political figures killed as a result of the tragic events on October 27 in the NA, the President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan signed a decree to create a State commission headed by himself. According to another decree of the President,
mourning is declared in the Republic from October 29 up to October 31, 1999. The state flag of the Republic of Armenia will be put at half-mast in the Republic of Armenia and the diplomatic offices of RA in foreign states.
("Respublika Armenii" newspaper, 29.10.99)
RA President shall be in charge of the government until the nomination of the new Prime Minister. Robert Kocharyan, the RA President, ran the governmental session on October 29. The session participants respected the memory of the victims of the tragic events by a minute of silence. Then, the President stated that he would be in charge of the government until the nomination of the new Prime Minister.
According to the RA President's press service, the President stated that the October 27 events at NA had resulted in a completely new situation in the country. The governmental session confirmed the draft law on the state budget 2000 that will be introduced to NA.
("Noyan Tapan" agency)
Accusations are not brought against the terrorists yet. The terrorists, Nairi and Karen Hunanyan, Edward Grigoryan, Vram Galstyan, Derenik Bejanyan, are kept in the isolation wards of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. By yesterday evening, accusations against them hadn't been brought yet.
("Respublika Armenii" newspaper, 29.10.99)
Minister of Internal Affairs Suren Abrahamyan submitted an application to resign. Yesterday the Minister of Internal Affairs of Armenia, general-major of Internal Service Suren Abrahamyan submitted an application on his resignation to the President of the Republic. That's what the ITAR-TASS correspondent was told by Artak Vardazaryan, the executive head of the Department of public relations and information of MIA of Armenia. He mentioned that the application was connected with the events in the session hall of the Parliament taken over
by the terrorists, and was not a response to the demand of MDA to dismiss the IA, NS ministers and the general prosecutor of the country.
("Respublika Armenii" newspaper, 29.10.99)
The world expresses condolences.The president of the Republic of Armenia and the NA of the Republic of Armenia keep getting condolences from all over the world.
30 October
Vladimir Putin, the RF Prime Minister arrived in Yerevan. "Political authorities of Russia support the President of Armenia", - stated the Prime Minister of Russia Vladimir Putin at the end of his meeting with the President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan in Yerevan.
Mr. Putin was in Armenia for 5 hours, taking part in the funeral ceremonies, dedicated to the prominent politicians killed in the Parliament on October 27.
Mr. Putin stated that Russian President Boris Yeltsin was expecting to meet President Kocharyan. "We wouldn't like the recent events to influence the terms of the meeting. But we understand that the situation is complicated, and we are willing to accept any resolution passed by the president of Armenia", - he said. The meeting is tenatively scheduled for November 5.
(According to "Noyan Tapan" agency)
Robert Kocharyan: "Ultimatum-like tone of voice in conversations with me doesn't lead to positive results". President of the Republic of Armenia Robert Kocharyan stated that, in reality, there was no government after the death of the prime minister, and, as a matter of fact, all the ministers were just responsibility-performers that would work until the new staff of the ministers' cabinet was formed.
Commenting on the rumor that the army threatened to disobey the President if he "wouldn't dismiss the 'power' ministers," Robert Kocharyan stated: "Do I look like a person that can be talked to in a language of ultimatum? I think all my biography shows that ultimatum-like tone of voice in conversations with me doesn't lead to positive results."
Armenak Armenakyan's funeral took place. On October 30, thousands of people – members of the governmental commission on organizing the funerals, deputies, the mayor of Yerevan Albert Bazeyan, A. Armenakyan's associates, diplomats, inhabitants of Nork-Marash community and others – came to the churchyard of Saint Mariam Astvatsatsin of Nork-Marash community, built by the initiative of the deceased, in order to bid farewell to Armenak Armenakyan. The abbot of the church carried out the funeral service. Astvatsatur Petrosyan, the deputy minister of defense, mentioned with profound grief the patriotism and human characteristic features of Armenak Armenakyan. On the very first days of the Karabakh war, he played an important role, forming the volunteer group "Nork-Marash", and later – "Tigran Mets" regiment. He also carried out charity activities in the community. Under the sounds of the anthem of the Republic of Armenia, the body of RA deputy Armenak Armenakyan was buried in the chirchyard.
31 October
The ceremony of funeral repast in the building of the National theater of opera and ballet. On October 30 and 31, the civil funeral service of state and political figures, killed as a result of the terrorist act at NA on October 27, took place. On Freedom square, thousands of people were waiting for their turn to enter the building and pay their respects to the celebrated politicians. At 13.00, President Robert Kocharyan and RF Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, Chairman of RF State Duma Gennadi Seleznev, chief of Russian headquarters of armed forces, deputy minister of defense, general Anatoli Kvashin and other members of Russian delegation, RA deputies, members of the Parliament, diplomats accredited in Armenia attended the ceremony of farewell. About thirty countries have sent their delegations to take part in the funerals of state figures of Armenia, killed last Wednesday by terrorists in the Parliament hall. After the speeches of condolences of the representatives of foreign states, Garegin II, the Catholicos of All Armenians, Aram I, the Catholicos of the Supreme House of Kilikia, and other figures of Supreme clergymen carrried out the funeral serice. As soon as the ceremony was over, president Kocharyan delivered a farewell speech. At 14.00, the bodies of the deceased were taken out from the opera and ballet building. The funeral procession split up into 3 directions: people accompanying the Chairman of the National Assembly Karen Demirchyan went to the Pantheon in Komitas Park; people accompanying Vazgen Sargsyan - to the military cemetery of Yerablur; and other processions accompanied the bodies of Yuri Bakhshyan, Ruben Miroyan, Leonard Petrosyan and Mikael Kotanyan to the Yerevan Municipal Cemetery. Later, Henrik Abrahamyan's body was transported to the village of Sarukhan in the Gegharkunik region- his birthplace.
("Armenpress" and "Noyan Tapan" agencies)
1 November
Terrorists are indicted. The general prosecutor's office has officially submitted accusations against terrorists that had taken over the session hall of the Armenian parliament on October 27 and killed eight people, including the Prime Minister of the country Vazgen Sarsyan and the Chairman of the National Assembly Karen Demirchyan. Te detained persons are accused of terrorism according to article 61 point 1 of the RA Criminal code and of premeditated murder of two and more people in aggravating circumstances according to article 99 points 4 and 6. It stipulates 10 to 15 years of imprisonment or the death penalty. According to te general prosecutor's order, an investigation group is created, headed by Gagik Dzhangiryan, the deputy general prosecutor and the military prosecutor of the republic.
("Novoe Vremya" newspaper)
All the accused have their own attorneys. Nairi Hunanyan's interests will be defended by Artashes Pahlavuni, Karen Hunanyan's interests – by Kima Melkonyan, Vram Galstyan's interests – by Zhudex Shakaryan, Edward Grigoryan's interests – by Vardan Sefaryan, Derenik Bejanyan's interests – by Karlen Atabekyan.
("Respublika Armenii" newspaper)
According to a psychologist, it's improbable that the terror act in the National Assembly was done in a state of paroxysm. Immediately after the terror act on October 27 in NA of Armenia, mass media started publishing articles on various versions of the event, including the option that the crime was committed in a state of paroxysm. The correspondent of "Noyan Tapan" talked to Elda Grin, a celebrated psychologist, the general judicial expert of the repubilc.
No physical or psycological pressure was imposed on Vram Galstyan after he was arrested. No physical or psychological pressure was imposed on Vram Galstyan, charged with a criminal case connected with the events of October 27 in the session hall of the National Assembly of te Republic of Armenia,- Zhudex Shakaryan, the lawyer of the defendant, told the correspondent of "Noyan Tapan." The accused - Nairi Hunanyan's 39 year old uncle - is a farmer. He has 3 children, graduated from the industrial technical school, and lived in the village of Verin Getashen in the Gegharkunik region.
Derenik Bejanyan – one of the gunmen attacking the session hall of the National Assembly – has participated in the Artsakh liberation movement. Derenik Bejanyan - one of the members of the terror group invading the session hall of the National Assembly on October 27 – has participated in the Artsakh national-liberation movement, being a member of "Zoravar Andranik" ("Military Leader Andranik") detachment and, according to various testimonies, was the best gunner of the detachment. That's what the correspondent of "Noyan Tapan" was informed by Shengavit branch of "Yerkrapah" Union of Volunteers. According to the same source, Bejanyan is a member of YUV Shengavit branch. Derenik Bejanyan is a refugee, he has moved to Amenia from the town of Gandzak (Kirovabad.) For the past few years, he has been living in Yerevan – in the dormitory of the RA Ministry of education and science, located in Charbakh.
("Noyan Tapan" agency)
Kima Melkonyan, Karen Hunanyan's defense attorney, states that "nobody has done any harm" to her client. The initial investigation on the events that took place on October 27 at NA is carried out in accordance with the requirements of the RA Criminal Procedure Code. Kima Melkonyan, the defense attorney of the accused Karen Hunanyan stated that "nobody has done any harm" to her client. We found out some biographical data on the defendant from the defense attorney: in December Karen Hunanyan will be 25; as soon as he graduated from high school, he was enlisted in "David Anhaght" humanitarian university. However, he left the university when he was a second-year student and moved to Yevpatoria.
("Noyan Tapan" agency)
Edward Grigoryan, Hunanyan's accomplice and a doctor, is considered to be quite a positive person by his colleagues. Edward Grigoryan – one of the executors of the bloody action on October 27 – is a physician. He works at the orthopedic and traumatological department of the Yerevan emergency clinic for children. He has two children – a fourth-grade son and a daughter under school age. Grigoryan's colleagues and the parents of sick children characterized him as a kind, considerate, careful, polite and modest person, friend and a physician. He hasn't ever been involved in politics and didn't like to talk about such topics. He didn't complain about the situation in the country more than others did. The clinic authorities described Edward Grigoryan as a medium class specialist who, in spite of his young age, was very passive in work, never showed initiative and had no perspectives of professional growth. Nobody has noticed that he had any pathological psychological deviations. According to one of the physicians, his presence in the criminal group was due to his childish desire to remain in history. Everybody unanimously stated that Grigoryan didn't drink, wasn't addicted to drugs, didn't have any aggressive inclinations and, in general, didn't suffer from any complexes. All the members of the Grigoryan family are physicians. Garegin Grigoryan, Edward's father, used to be the head physician of the Yerevan infection hospital for many years. His mother works at the city hospital; his wife works at a maternity hospital.
"Unity" faction and "Stability" group think that the IA, NS ministers and the general prosecutor should resign. "Unity" faction and "Stability"group think that the ministers of internal affairs and national security, as well as the general prosecutor should resign. The heads of above-mentioned organizations Andranik Margaryan and Hovik Hovhannisyan signed a statement that says: "Unfortunately, this horrible crime became possible not only because the previous assassinations of high-ranking officials weren't revealed in time, but also because the authorities, responsible for the internal security of the country, turned out to be incapable of doing it,"- is mentioned in the statement of the Unity Faction of NA and Stability group.
(According to "Noyan Tapan" agency)
The minister of National security resigned. Serge Sargsyan, the Minister of National security, submitted an application about his resignation to the president of the Republic of Armenia. That's what the press center of the RA president informed.
("Noyan Tapan" agency)
For the purpose of the deputies' security. On November 1, Michael Lemmon, the USA Ambassador to Armenia, gave 20 supersensitive metal detectors - 6 stationary ones and 14 portable ones – to the NA of Armenia. According to Lemmon, the metal detectors had been in Armenia for a few months but Parliamentary officials claimed that the machines would create difficulties for their relationship with the people.
("Novoe Vremya" newspaper)
2 November
Most Armenian mass media were deprived of the chance to cover the session of the National Assembly. The extraordinary session of the National Assembly started on November 2, at 17.00. The agenda includes the issue of electing the new chairman of the Parliament and his two deputies. For the first time since the tragic events of October 27, journalists, accredited to cover the NA work, were allowed to enter not only the territory of the Parliament but also the session hall itself – on condition that journalists should be near the central entrance at Baghramyan avenue from 16.00 to 16.45. However, only a few journalists, mainly from foreign mass media, were able to pass because the employees, carrying out individual check-up of journalists, didn't manage to check all of them within the indicated period of time.
Representatives of various mass media – National radio, "Armenia", "Ar", "Prometheus", "Mayr Hayrenik" ("Motherland") TV companies, "Noyan Tapan", "Armenpress" news agencies, "Yerkir" ("Country"), "Hayots Ashkharh" ("Armenian Land") newspapers, and others – weren't able to get into the session hall.
Armen Khachatryan was elected the chairman of the National Assembly; Gaguik Aslanyan and Tigran Torosyan were elected deputy chairmen. On November 2, new authorities of the National Assembly were elected at te extraordinary session of the RA National Assembly. 116 NA deputies out of 123 took part in the closed secret voting. 103 deputies voted for Armen Khachatryan ("Unity", NPA), a nominee for the position of NA chairman; 10 of them voted against; 3 bulletins were considered invalid. 98 deputies voted for Tigran Torosyan ("Unity", RPA), a nominee for the position of a deputy chairman of the National Assembly; 14 of them voted against; 4 bulletins were considered invalid. 103 deputies voted for Gaguik Aslanyan ("Unity", NPA), a nominee for the position of a deputy chairman of th National Assembly; 11 deputies voted against; 2 bulletins were considered invalid.
("Noyan Tapan" agency)
A newsletter on the health condition of the wounded. Andranik Manukyan - (medical center "Erebuni", intensive care department): critical condition, artificial ventilation of lungs, life signs are stable as before;
Edmond Tsaturyan - (scientific-medical center "ER", intensive care department): health condtion of medium severity, stable life signs. The motive functions are recovered after the surgery;
Armen Khachatryan - (3rd hostpital): satisfactory health condition, the patient is not in danger, stable parameters;
Hermine Naghdalyan - (3rd hospital): satisfactory health condition, the patient is not in danger, stable parameters;
Pavel Ghaltakhchyan - (3rd hospital): satisfactory health condition, the patient is already discharged.
("Respublika Armenii" newspaper)
3 November
Aram Sargsyan – Vazgen Sargsyan's brother is appointed Prime Minister of Armenia. According to RA president Robert Kocharyan's decree of November 3, Aram Sargsyan, the executive director of the state closed joint stock company "Araratcement", is appointed Prime Minister. It should be mentioned that Aram Sargsyan is the younger brother of the deceased Prime Minister Vazgen Sargsyan.
("Noyan Tapan" agency)
More people were arrested in connection with the events of October 27. Now they are in the military police. Defendants of the criminal case, filed in connection with the tragic events in the NA session hall, haven't been transported to the Military police from the isolation wards of the Ministry of National security. "Noyan Tapan" agency was informed about it by a reliable source. According to the same source, other people, detained or arrested in connection with the case, are in the Military police. Their number is not indicated yet.
("Noyan Tapan" agency)
A newsletter on the health condition of the wounded. Andranik Manukyan – ("Erebuni" medical center, intensive care department): critical health condition, artificial ventilation of lungs, parameters are stable as before;
Edmond Tsaturyan – ("ER" scientific-medical center, intensive care department): improvement of health condition, stable parameters. Probably will be transferred to a hospital ward in a couple of days;
Hermine Naghdalyan – (3rd hospital): satisfactory health condition, stable parameters, will be discharged on Monday and will switch to dispensary treatment;
Pavel Ghaltakhchyan – (3rd hospital): the patient is on dispensary treatment.
"Respublika Armenii" newspaper
10 November
The National Assembly complied with the application of the RA General prosecutor Aghvan Hovhannisyan on depriving NA deputy Mushegh Movsisyan of deputy's immunity. On November 10, General prosecutor A. Hovsepyan submitted an application to the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia on arresting deputy Mushegh Movsisyan and instituting legal proceedings against him. NA complied with the General prosecutor's application, with 90 deputies voting for it. None of the deputies were against, and 6 of them abstained. According to the prosecutor's office, the initial investigation group on the criminal case has obtained facts enough to prove that the October 27 terror act headed by Nairi Hunanyan was carried out with the complicity of RA NA deputy Mushegh Movsisyan. Deputy Movsisyan considered all the arguments introduced by the General prosecutor of the Republic of Armenia to be "obvious lie", stating that he really knew Nairi Hunanyan but had seen him in August for the last time. He asked his colleagues to create a deputy commission contributing to unbiased investigation of the case. Mushegh Movsisyan assured that he was ready to bear responsibility if at least one proof of his culpability was found. It should be mentioned that a deputy commission cannot be created when a criminal lawsuit is filed. The NA building has been guarded according to an intensified regime (also by disguised submachine-gunners) since morning and up to the moment when NA deputy Mushegh Movsisyan was led out from the building.
("Noyan Tapan" Agency)
2006 October 27
Today Armenia honors the memory of the terrorist act committed in the Armenian parliament October 27, 1999. The National Assembly members laid flowers and wreaths to the memorial erected in the parliament's park. "Although seven years have passed since that tragic day I am convinced that the people who knew and worked with those killed and the people who were present at the parliament sitting on that day will carry this pain during all their live," said NA Speaker Tigran Torosian. "The people who were killed lived for the sake of the ideas and principles of Armenia's future," Torosian said. 7 years ago a group of terrorists rushed into the sitting hall of the Armenian National Assembly and fired on the leaders and members of the RA parliament. Prime Minister Vazgen Sargsyan, Speaker Karen Demirchyan, Vice-speakers Yuri Bakhshyan and Ruben Mirzoyan, Minister for Operative Issues Leonard Petrosyan, parliament members Armenak Armenakyan, Henrikh Abrahamyan and Mikael Kotanyan were killed. The trial lasted from 2001 to 2003. The prosecutor demanded extreme penalty but it was cancelled in September 2003. 6 terrorists – Nairi Hunanyan, his brother Karen Hunanyan and his uncle Vram Galstyan as well as Derenik Bedjanyan, Edik Grigoryan and Ashot Knyazan - were sentenced to life imprisonment. Hamlet Stepanyan was sentenced to 14 years in jail. They all were accused of treason and terrorism, reports newsarmenia.ru.
