YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–President Robert Kocharian dispatched a telegram to Russian President Boris Yeltsin–expressing his and Armenia’s sympathy on the recent murder of Russian Duma member Galina Starovoitova.
"I express my profound sorrow at the death of the deputy of the Russian State Duma–Armenia’s great friend Galina Vasilyevna Starovoitova," read the telegram
"Being personally acquainted with her–I regret that we lost a bright and wise figure and a friend whom we will miss very much. Her work and aspiration for justice and the formation of an open society were highly appreciated in Armenia," continued the telegram.
"Galina Starovoitova was a true fighter for democratic values and ideals–human rights and freedoms. I believe that it is a great loss for all democratic forces… All the principles Galina Starovoitova devoted her life to must be realized," the message continued.
"I express my sincere condolences to Galina Starovoitova’s family and friends," concluded Kocharian’s message.
