Armenia commemorates Gurgen Margaryan

PanARMENIAN.Net - Five years ago today Azeri armed forces lieutenant Ramil Safarov killed Armenian officer Gurgen Margaryan with an axe when he was asleep.



Both were taking an English course as a part of the Partnership for Peace NATO-sponsored program in Budapest.



When interrogated, Safarov said, "I regret I didn't kill any Armenian before. When I learned that there are two Armenians taking the same course I felt hatred for them. When they greeted me I did not answer. One day they passed by and smiled. That moment I decided that I will cut off their heads at dawn."



Safarov was given a life sentences without a right to pardon during 30 years.



In February 2007, the Budapest Court of Appeals upheld the verdict.



Today, Armenian Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan and top officership of the Armenian Armed Forces will lay a wreath to Gurgen Margaryan's tomb in Yerablur Pantheon.