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October 27th Tradegy Remembered


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A YEAR PASSED FROM THE DAY OF ACT OF TERRORISM IN ARMENIAN PARLIAMENT

One year ago on October 27 at 05:06 pm a group of armed terrorists has burst into the Armenian parliament and organized a bloodshed. The Armenian Prime Minister Vazgen Sargssyan, Speaker of the parliament Karen Demirchian, Vice-speakers Yuriy Bakhshian and Ruben Miroyan, Minister for Operative issues Leonard Petrossian, parliamentarians Armenak Armenakian, Mikael Kotanian, Genrikh Abrahamian were killed during the act of terrorism. The group was headed by Nairi Hunanian. His brother Karen Hunanian, Edward Grigorian, Vram Galustian, Derenik Bajanian were the members of the group. It is expected that hearing of the case on the act of terrorism will start this November-December. Under the decision of the Armenian government October 27 is announced the "Day of Memory of victims" of the October 27, 1999 act of terrorism. Mourning arrangements will take place today in Yerevan. <October,27th.>

 

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OCTOBER 27 WILL ENTER THE HISTORY NOT ONLY AS DAY OF UNPRECEDENTED TRAGEDY IN PARLIAMENT

Last year, on October 27, leader of the Ararat Diocese, Archbishop Garegin Nersissian was elected the 132nd Catholicos of All Armenians. The election of the Catholicos in St. Etchmiadzin was taking place at the very moment when a tragedy was taking place in the National Assembly. The election ended at 6:45 PM, with the bells announcing the election of the new Catholicos. A week later, an official inauguration of the newly elected Catholicos took place in Etchmiadzin.

< 27.10.2000 23.54 >

 

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ARMENIAN LEADERS AND PEOPLE VISITED GRAVES OF OCTOBER 27TH VICTIMS

The grave of Speaker Karen Demirchian, founder of the Armenian People’s Party, is in the Komitas Pantheon in Yerevan, along with graves of many outstanding artists, scientists and other well-known personalities. Thousands of people came to the Pantheon today to pay their respects to Karen Demirchian. The Catholicos of All Armenians, Garegin the Second, said Karen Demirchian was an experienced and able leader. The people linked their hopes of rebith and development with Demirchian as Speaker of the National Assembly.A memorial plaque has been placed on the building in Zurabian Street in Yerevan, where Demirchian spent the last years of his life. Large crowds gathered in Yerablur memorial complex to pay hommage to the late Prime Minister Vazgen Sargsyan. The President and the Catholicos participated in the ceremony honoring the National Hero, who fell victim to the carnage last October. The Catholicos performed a memorial service at Sargsyan’s grave. “Vazgen Sargsyan was worthy of his title of a National Hero, because of his dedication to the motherland, the national army and an independent Armenia,” said His Holiness. Thousands of people gathered today in the City Pantheon to honor Deputy Speakers Yuri Bakhshian and Ruben Miroyan, government member Leonard Petrosyan and parliament member Mikayel Kotanyan. The people who came to the Pantheon were convinced that the best way to honor the memory of the victims is to continue their work and create a motherland they dreamt of. Armenak Armenakyan’s grave is in the backyard of the St. Mariam Astvatsatsin church in Nork, built by Armenakyan himself. A memorial in Armenakyan’s honor was opened today near the church. His combat friends and almost all of Nork’s population participated in the opening ceremony. They will always remember Armenak Armenakyan as an honest and strong man, a patriot and a brave soldier. At the request of the relatives of Henrik Abrahamyan, people will visit his grave in the Gegharkunik marz tomorrow. Trees were planted near the National Assembly today in the morning, in honor of the victims of the killed statesmen. The tree-planting was organized by the Armenian Assembly of America. The delegation of the Armenian Assembly is in Armenia these days and paid their respects to the victims of the shootings. In the evening, a memorial concert took place at the National Opera and Ballet House in Yerevan.

< 27.10.2000 23.53 >

 

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TODAY IS ANNIVERSARY OF TRAGIC EVENTS IN NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

On October 27 of 1999, a terrible crime happened in the Armenian Parliament. Speaker Karen Demirchian, Prime Minister Vazgen Sargsian, parliament members Yuri Bakhshian, Ruben Miroyan, Henrik Abrahamian, Armenak Armenakyan, Mikael Kotanyan and member of the government Leonard Petrosyan were killed in a terrorist act. Today, at 5:06 PM, the exact time of the shootings, Armenia honored the memory of its fallen statesmen with a minute of silence. President Kocharian addressed the nation in connection with this sad anniversary. He stated that the events in the National Assembly were a big blow not only for the Armenian people, who lost its worthy sons, but also for the Armenian state. The stability, constitutional order and international reputation of the country were subjected to a difficult test.But, despite all, the state structures and the society together managed to normalize the situation and overcome this challenge. This was very difficult to do for the young Republic of Armenia. The crime in the parliament has been strongly condemned by the Armenian society. The future generation will also condemn it. “Today, at the anniversary of the deaths of our colleagues, everyone should realize that the best way to honor the memory of the victims is to continue their partiotic work aimed at creating a prosperous Armenia. This was the dream of the fallen statesmen, who had exhibited extreme devotion to the establishment of the Armenian statehood,” reads the President’s statement. The Catholicos of All Armenians, Garegin the Second, also addressed the nation on the anniversary of the tragedy. His Holiness honored the memory of the killed statesmen, who dreamt of seeing Armenia more powerful and prosperous. The Catholicos stated that today the Armenian people reiterates its confidence in the bright future of our independent state and its will to create a society respecting the rule of law. His Holiness expressed his condolences to the relatives of the victims. “May the Almighty God help us all carry out our duty, so that with joint efforts and dedication and love, we may fulfill the dream of the victims, the dream of a prosperous future of our Motherland,” said the Catholicos. On October 29, a memorial service will be held in St. Ethmiadzin for the victims of the tragedy in the National Assembly. In his address, Speaker of the National Assembly Armen Khachatrian said unless the October 27th crime is solved, the Armenian social and political life will not be able to free itself from moral and psychological confines. “We must preserve the Unity established by Karen Demirchian and Vazgen Sargsyan and carry out their precepts,” said the Speaker. Prime Minister Andranik Margaryan expressed his condolences to the families of the October 27th victims and to the Armenian people. He mentioned that this grief should be borne the way our nation has always done, with restraint and with dignity. He also stated that one should not lose faith in the future of our people and the country. “Our big task is to continue the patriotic work of Vazgen Sargsian and Karen Demirchian,” said the Prime Minister.

< 27.10.2000 23.52 >

 

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86 PEOPLE ARE SAID TO HAVE BEEN KILLED IN IL-18 AIRPLANE CRASH, 6 OF THEM - ARMENIANS

8 bodies have been recovered from the ---wreckage of the Russian IL-18 airplane. The plane crashed last night near Batumi, Georgia. 86 people are said to have been killed in the crash, 6 of them--Armenians living in Batumi. The two black boxes of the aircraft have been found. But they are in such a bad condition that it is unlikely that any useful information will be revealed---. President Kocharian has sent a telegram to his Russian counterpart to express his condolences.

< 27.10.2000 15.04 >

 

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ACCORDING TO MOST OF THE PARLIAMENTARY FACTIONS, THE ISSUE OF THE RESIGNATION OF THE SPEAKER OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY HAS BEEN PUT ON HOLD FOR A WHILE, BUT WILL BE RAISED AGAIN AT THE FIRST OPPORTUNITY.

Parties represented in the parliament also share the opinion that the National Assembly has exhausted itself and new elections are necessary. At the same time, everyone agrees that it will be unacceptable to hold new elections without introducing changes to the current Election Code. In addition to discussing the state budget and the sequester, the parliamentarians will also pay serious attention to the amendment of the Election Code. Most of the political forces support the proportion of 106 to 25 for the proportionate versus majoritarian election systems. The “Armenia” Group suggests the opposite: 31 to 100, while the Stability group thinks the ratio of 66 to 65 is the most desirable. Under the current Election Code, the ratio between the proportionate and the majoritarian systems is 56 to 75.

< 27.10.2000 15.03 >

 

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THE CABINET DISCUSSED WAYS TO CUT THIS YEAR’S BUDGET.

The Ministry of Finance and Economy is to prepare the draft budget for the year 2001 by October 31st of this year to submit it to the Cabinet for discussion. The draft will be submitted to the National Assembly for debate on the 1st of November. Yesterday, the Minister of Finance and Economy announced that it was planned to cut the budget expenditure by 9 billion drams. He also stated that the government would do its best not to cut pensions and salaries. If the proposed measures are implemented, the 86 billion dram budget deficit, equivalent of 157 million US dollars, will be reduced to 62 billion drams or 113 million US dollars. Foreign loans will be used to reduce the budget deficit. The remaining deficit will be carried over to the next year’s budget.

< 27.10.2000 15.03 >

 

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ACCORDING TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FINANCE, LOANS AND BUDGET STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, VARDAN KHACHATRIAN, THE 2001 BUDGET WILL BE, IN FACT, A BUDGET AIMED AT PAYING OFF DEBTS.

“The 2001 will be the most difficult year in terms of the budget,” said Khachatrian. In addition to the burden of paying off loans, the 2001 budget will also have to deal with this year’s huge debts that will be carried over to the next year---. Next year, no capital investments can be expected from the state budget, since all the money will be used for paying off debts, salaries for state employees, pensions, financial aid and social and healthcare payments.

< 27.10.2000 15.02 >

 

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FRANK SADER, THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR OF THE FOREIGN INVESTMENTS CONSULTING SERVICES OF THE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE CORPORATION, PRESENTED THE RESULTS OF A STUDY, CONDUCTED TO INVESTIGATE ADMINISTRATIVE OBSTACLES FOR INVESTMENT PROGRAMS IN ARMENIA.

The study was conducted in November of 1999. Suggestions made by Mr. Sader will be considered by the Government during the preparation of a program of its activities. Mr. Sader said that the main obstacles that investors face in Armenia are of administrative nature. In addition, he mentioned two other problems—the so-called brain-drain and lack of jobs. Among other factors hindering the increase in the volume of investments he mentioned the small size of the country, the lack of access to the sea and the low-purchasing power of the population. He also mentioned that foreign investors need a reliable printed source of information. Existence of the Diaspora was mentioned as a positive factor. To make Armenia attractive for investors, the author of the study suggested to reduce corruption and interference of the mafia in the economy---, to get rid of the dependence of the existing laws on whims of various officials, as well as to improve the work of the judiciary, police and customs services.

< 27.10.2000 15.01 >

 

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STUDENTS OF THE STATE UNIVERSITY AND THE ENGINEERING UNIVERSITY ORGANIZED A MARCH OF PROTEST.

Armenian students protest against the removal of the Armenian Genocide Resolution from the agenda of the House of Representatives. ---The “Nikol Aghbalian” Student Union of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation has issued a statement, where they say President Clinton succumbed to the conjuncture interests and Turkish threats, and obstructed the representative body of his own nation to restore the historical justice. But, it is obvious that the progress of the civilization will make everyone choose the path of justice, and that’s what we are going to choose, even if takes a long struggle,” says the statement. The march ended at the Embassy of the United States.

< 27.10.2000 15.01 >

 

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A GROUP OF CONGRESSMEN IS NOT GIVING UP HOPE FOR RESTORING HISTORICAL JUSTICE.

According to the Snark news agency, Congressman James Rogan stated that if re-elected in the November 7th elections, he intends to prepare another resolution on the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. The Republican Congressmen Rogan said he was not discouraged by the failure of the Resolution and intends to fight for it till the end. According to Congressman Rogan, US President Clinton and House Speaker Hastert have used the resolution for their own political interests.

< 27.10.2000 15.00 >

 

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ACCORDING TO A STUDY CONDUCTED BY THE ARMENIAN MISSION OF THE WORLD FOOD PROGRAM, 66% OF THE POPULATION OF THE SHIRAK MARZ IS IN DIRE NEED AS A RESULT OF THE UNPRECEDENTED DROUGHT--IT HAS BEEN THE WORST DROUGHT IN THE LAST 40 YEARS.

In the 5 other northern marzes, 45% of the population is in need of aid. ---The World Food Program intends to provide 21 thousand tons of food in assistance to the 6 northern marzes of Armenia. The aid will be distributed this winter and in the spring of 2001. 300 thousand people will receive assistance. This information has been announced by Michael Saccet---, representative of the World Food Program in Armenia.

< 27.10.2000 14.59 >

 

October 27th Tradegy Remembered

YEREVAN (Armenpress)--President Robert Kocharian addressed a message to the nation in connection with the first anniversary of last year's October 27 tragic events in the Armenian parliament. His statement reads as follows:

 

"Dear compatriots, a year ago, on October 27, a horrible crime was committed at the National assembly that claimed the lives of parliament speaker Karen Demirchian, prime minister Vazgen Sarkisian, parliament members Yuri Bakhshian, Ruben Miroyan, Henrik Abrahamian, Armenak Armenakian, Mikael Kotanian and government member Leonard Petrosian.

 

That was a blow not only on the people but also on our statehood. The country's stability, its international image and the constitutional order have gone through a severe ordeal.

 

But despite it, the joint efforts of the state structures and the society helped our young state to overcome that hard experience and return the country's viability to a natural channel. That crime is and will be condemned by all layers of our society. Today when we mark the first anniversary of our colleagues' death, it is our duty to realize that the best way to commemorate them is to uphold the cause initiated by them and make their dreams come true in the name of prosperous Armenia."

 

The day of remembrance of the state officials assassinated on October 27, 1999 began by visiting the Yerevan State Pantheon where Leonard Petrossian, Yuri Bakhshian, Mikael Kotanian and Ruben Miroyan are buried. Then, the procession headed for Yerablur where the grave of Vazgen Sargssian is situated.

 

Among those who came to render homage to the memory of the assassinated prime minister were President Robert Kocharian, Prime Minister Andranik Margarian, Parliament Speaker Armen Khachatrian, government officials, parliament members, representatives of the diplomatic corps, as well as numerous public representatives and representatives of the country's intellectuals. A ceremony of remembrance of the dead was held at the gravesite of Vazgen Sargssian by His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, but no one came up to the microphone and no speeches were made.

 

President of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia Fadei Sargssian, poetess and academician of the National Academy of Sciences Silva Kaputian, former secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Armenia, historian Karlen Dallakian and others made speeches at the grave of Karen Demirchian. Still long after the end of the ceremony, crowds of people came to the grave to pay tribute to the statesman.

 

In the evening, a meeting dedicated to the memory of the statesmen was held at the National Opera & Ballet Theater.

 

 

[This message has been edited by JanFedayi (edited October 28, 2000).]

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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 Artsax 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)

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A YEAR PASSED FROM THE DAY OF ACT OF TERRORISM IN ARMENIAN PARLIAMENT

27.10.2000 12.06

27.10.2000, MEDIAMAX, YEREVAN. One year ago on October 27 at 05:06 pm a group of armed terrorists has burst into the Armenian parliament and organized a bloodshed.

The Armenian Prime Minister Vazgen Sargssyan, Speaker of the parliament Karen Demirchian, Vice-speakers Yuriy Bakhshian and Ruben Miroyan, Minister for Operative issues Leonard Petrossian, parliamentarians Armenak Armenakian, Mikael Kotanian, Genrikh Abrahamian were killed during the act of terrorism.

The group was headed by Nairi Hunanian. His brother Karen Hunanian, Edward Grigorian, Vram Galustian, Derenik Bajanian were the members of the group.

It is expected that hearing of the case on the act of terrorism will start this November-December.

Under the decision of the Armenian government October 27 is announced the "Day of Memory of victims" of the October 27, 1999 act of terrorism. Mourning arrangements will take place today in Yerevan. --

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ARMENIAN PARLIAMENT INCIDENT

Today around 17:00 a group of gunmen broke into the chamber of the parliament of Armenia during a plenary session and started to fire irregularly at the members of the Government and the Parliament. The gunmen demanded the members of the parliament to give in their mobile phones and lie down on the floor. The journalists present at the session were given an opportunity to leave the chamber. According to the Parliament's procedures at that time the members of the Parliament were preparing to address inquiries and questions to the Government and the Prime Minister, therefore the majority of the Government members were present in the chamber. According to the journalists present during this incident the gunmen specifically targeted the members of the Government. According to the reports the Prime Minister and the speaker of the Parliament are both heavily wounded. The gunmen who were reported to look psychologically disturbed announced that they are implementing a coup and taking all the members of the Parliament and the Government hostage. The police surrounds the building of the Parliament and internal troops and all measures are taken to stabilize the situation.

27 October, 1999 20.10

THE SPEAKER OF THE PARLIAMENT AND THE PRIME MINISTER ARE REPORTED DEAD

According to the latest not confirmed reports both the Speaker of the Parliament and the Prime Minister are dead. This information is not officially confirmed yet.

27 October, 1999 20.33

NO COMMENTS VIDEO...

27 October, 1999 21.19

MINISTER OF HEALTH HAYK NIKOGHOSIAN REPORTS ABOUT THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

The Minister of Health Hayk Nikoghosian who was released by the terrorists from the chamber reported that the Prime Minister Vazgen Sargssian, The Speaker of the Parliament Karen Demirchyan, Minister of Finance Levon Barkhudaryan and Minister for Operative issues Leonard Petrosyan, and Vice Speaker Yuri Bakhshyan are most probably dead. The member of the Parliament Academician Michael Kotanyan was heavily wounded and after being taken to the hospital died. The Minister also reported that the following members of the Parliament are wounded and taken to the hospital: Armen Khachatryan, Andranik Manukyan (heavily wounded), Hermine Naghdalyan, Zhirair Gevorkyan, Edmound Tsarukyan. The President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan and Minister of Economy Armen Darbinyan are now in the building of the Parliament conducting negotiations with the terrorists.

27 October, 1999 23.00

BIOGRAPHY OF THE CHIEF OF THE TERRORIST GROUP NAIRI HOUNANYAN STORMED TODAY THE CHAMBER OF THE PARLIAMENT OF ARMENIA

Nairi Hounanyan was born in 1965 in Yerevan. Graduate of Philology Department of the Yerevan State University. From 1988 was active participant of National Liberation Movement and was one of the founders of The Union of Armenian Students. Nairi Hounanyan was a member of Armenian Dashnaktsoutyoun Party but was exiled from the party for bad behavior. Later founded and managed "Horizon" information agency. In 1994-1997 was out of Armenia living in Ukrain (particularly Crimea). In 1997 returned to Armenia. After return did not have any specific occupation. According to the reports his junior brother is also among the terrorists currently holding the building of the Parliament.

27 October, 1999 23.08

Telephone talk of the executive director of National Television of Armenia with one of the hostages in National Assembly.

27 October, 1999 23.39

BODIES OF THE SPEAKER OF THE PARLIAMENT AND THE PRIME MINISTER ARE TAKEN OUT FROM THE CHAMBER OF THE PARLIAMENT

At 22:55 local time (+4 GMT) bodies of the Speaker of the Parliament Karen Demirchyan, Prime Minister Vazgen Sarkisian, Vice Speaker of the Parliament Yuri Bakhshyan, Minister for Operative Issues Leonard Petrosyan were taken out from the chamber hall of the Parliament. There is final official confirmation of their death. Some 50 members of the Parliament and the Government are still kept as hostages in the building of the Parliament.

28 October, 1999 11.34

HOSTAGES ARE IN FREEDOM, TERRORISTS ARE UNDER ARREST

After 18 hour of keeping more than 50 hostages in the chamber of National Assembly the coup headed by Nairi Hounanyan gave off the guns and released all hostages. This followed the negotiations of terrorist leader with the President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan, who gave them a chance to pass a statement on National Television and guaranteed their life in case put down the guns. So far the occupation of National Assembly that left 8 people dead and more than 6 wounded, is over. Among the victims are Prime minister of Armenia and Chairman of Parliament. <28.10.1999 11.34 >

28 October, 1999 15.01

LIST OF VICTIMS

As a result of the terrorists actions in the chamber of the National Assembly on October 27, 1999 the following deaths are officially confirmed:

Prime Minister Vazgen Sarkisian

Speaker of the Parliament Karen Demirchyan

Deputy Speaker oft he Parliament Yuri Bakhshyan

Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Rouben Miroyan

Minister for Operative Issues Leonard Petrosyan.

Members of Parliament:

Academician Mikael Kotanyan

Henrik Abrahamyan (former editor in chief of "Hayastan" daily)

Armenak Armenakyan (former prefect of Nork Marash municipal district).

The following officials were wounded:

Minister of Privatization Pavel Ghaltakhchyan

Members of Parliament:

Armen Khachatryan (Chairman of Foreign Affairs Commision)

Andranik Manukyan (heavily wounded)

Emma Khudabashyan

Zhirair Gevorkyan

Hermine Naghdalyan

Edmon Tsaturyan

At this moment all the hostages are released and all five gunmen are in the police custody.

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BAS-RELIEF TO LATE VAZGEN SARKISIAN IS OPENED IN ONE OF CENTRAL STREETS OF RNK CAPITAL

27.10.2000 15.29

27.10.2000, MEDIAMAX, YEREVAN. Today the unveiling of a bas-relief with image of Vazgen Sarkisian, killed on October 27, 1999 in the parliament of Armenia, took place in Stepanakert, the capital of the Republic of Nagorno Artsax.

As the correspondent of Mediamax reports from Stepanakert, the bas-relief is set up on a building in former central Yerevanian Avenue, which is now named after Vazgen Sarkisian by the order of RNK President.

Boris Arushanian, acting mayor of Stepanakert, was entrusted to unveil the bas-relief. Members of the National Assembly and the government of RNK, representatives of the municipality and the public of Stepanakert were present at the ceremony.

The author of the bas-relief is the famous Yerevan sculptor Levon Tokmajian, who has also designed the monument to Vazgen Sarkisian, opened on September 2, 2000 in Shushi during the festivities of the 9th anniversary of RNK's declaration of independence

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