ETHNICALLY-ARMENIAN BUSH ATTACKER TO STAND TRIAL IN GEORGIA

Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
Sept 12 2005

Baku, September 9, AssA-Irada
The Armenian terrorist charged with attempting on US President George
Bush’s life during the latter’s visit to Tbilisi, Georgia on May 10,
will stand trial in Tbilisi on September 20, according to Georgian
interior minister Vano Merabishvili.

Vladimir Arutunian, 27, will be imprisoned in Georgia and no other
measures are planned, Merabishvili said.

The US Department of Justice has charged Arutunian with two offenses
– an attempt on President Bush’s life and illegal possession of
weapons. However, the United States has not demanded his extradition.

The results of the investigation into Arutunian’s case carried out
by US experts will be handed over to the Georgian interior ministry
on September 20.

Arutunian will face life in prison if he is convicted under US laws.

Meanwhile, the Georgian media quoted Arutunian’s former lawyer as
saying that Arutunian has demanded a meeting with US investigators
to provide them with important information. Arutunian has demanded
$50,000 for the information that is allegedly not related to the
unsuccessful terror attack on Bush.*