Russian ambassador says Gyumri killings must not be politicized

YEREVAN, January 14. / ARKA /.  Russian ambassador to Armenia Ivan Volynkin said today he is sure that Armenian and Russian investigators will clarify all the circumstances of the murdering six members of an Armenian family in Gyumri by a runaway soldier from the Russian military base in the town adding also that the case must not be politicized.

According to police, Valery Permyakov  from the Russian military base  in Gyumri admitted to murdering the six members of the family- a couple, their son and daughter-in-law, a 2-year-old granddaughter, and an unmarried daughter. They all were found shot dead in their house on January 12. The couple's six-month-old grandson was hospitalized in a grave condition. The victims were all shot with an AK-47.  Valery Permyakov was detained on January 13, shortly after midnight, while trying to cross the border into Turkey dressed in civilian clothing.

"The embassy personnel are shocked by this terrible tragedy in Gyumri. We grieve together with the Armenian people and express our condolences to the friends and relatives of the victims. The perpetrators of this horrible crime must be punished to the full extent of law. Currently, competent Armenian and Russian officials are conducting the necessary investigation procedures for an objective and comprehensive investigation of the crime,” the ambassador told Sputnik Radio.

Thousands of Armenians will be protesting January 15 in front of the Russian embassy in Armenia, the presidential residence and in Gyumri demanding that Valery Permyakov be handed over to Armenian law-enforcement bodies.

"I understand these people, their emotions, because a brutal crime was committed and the perpetrator must answer for it. People, of course, have the right to express their opinions, their emotions. But I think that this issue should not be politicized,” said Ivan Volynkin.

"Crime has no nationality, especially in this case. I think that the investigation will clear out all the nuances of the case and the criminal will be adequately punished," he concluded. -0-