ARMENIA SHOULD REACT TO KILLINGS OF ARMENIANS IN RUSSIA

Lragir.am
01 June 06

On April 22 skinheads killed 17-years-old Vigen Abrahamyants in
Moscow. On May 25 19-years-old Arthur Sardaryan was killed by skinheads
again in Moscow. These two murders have common features.

Both victims come from Armenia, both used to live in Baku but in
1988-1989 they had to move to Moscow for well-known reasons. It has
been said for a number of times that the skinheads are controlled
by some Russian governmental agencies. Can these assassinations be
considered an anti-Armenian policy or a government action involving
skinheads? Is it adequate and worthwhile that Armenia react to
these murders on a governmental level, president, government,
foreign ministry? The political forces of the parliament answer
these questions.

Hrant Khachatryan (Constitutional Right Union) In Russia, extremist
movements and groups have emerged along with liberalism, and the
Russian mass media offer an overall coverage of the activities of
such groups. It appears as if these groups do not have the direct
support of the authorities, Russia is a vast country, and there
can be groups, which are independent from the government, or gangs
connected with local authorities. It is more interesting to know
whether these incidents involving Armenians are connected with the
authorities on this or that level. It is difficult for me to answer
because even the Armenian media in Moscow put forward controversial
opinions. Racism and discrimination have been observed in Russia
over the past 15 years. Formerly, in the Soviet years these appeared
only in jokes and non-human relations. I have never lived in Moscow,
but my brother lives there and he told me not to go out after 8 in
the evening. He meant the appearance rather than nationality.

Tigran Torosyan (Republican) I think, there should be facts to speak
about an intended policy and purposefulness. On the other hand,
the content is the same in both an accident and a purposeful act.

Armenian young people were killed in Russia, and the statements that
these are connected with different disputes are not quite reasonable.

The facts are so forceful that the relevant Russian agencies have
to consider them. I do not want to say that it is an anti-Armenian
policy. But this phenomenon is reaching tremendous levels, and it
is a serious threat for Russia, it is evident. Although we should
first think about our compatriots. Facts and data are required for a
reaction on behalf of the government of Armenia to sound reasonable,
because this is a very subtle problem.

Galust Sahakyan (Republican) I do not think this is a purposeful
action. Dozens of people are killed in Russia daily. The
characterizations by our NGOs given for this specific case make
me think that the problem is a chauvinistic movement, and we have
victims. I do not think the government should respond officially. The
person killed recently was a citizen of Russia, and our embassy gave
a response, which is the standpoint of official Armenia.

Vahram Baghdasaryan (People’s Deputy) I think it is dangerous to make
suggestions on this case. This could be a mere coincidence.

Moscow with its size and population is like a country rather than a
city. The rate of murder can reach 100. If the investigation reveals
that this was purposeful, we must respond on a governmental level.

Victor Dallakyan (Ardarutiun) I can see anti-Armenian movements and
the phrase “Glory to Russia” uttered during the murder means that it
was intended. I guess all this is directed by someone. I would not
like to draw parallels, but when the accident involving an Indian
student happened, the Indians came together. Since, unfortunately,
these actions against Armenia are becoming frequent, we certainly need
to react. Our foreign ministry should react through diplomatic pipes.