29-Year-Old Soldier Killed by Sniper Fire Laid to Rest in Presence of Parliament Speaker and Deputy Defense Minister

In Vanadzor, Lori Province, a funeral service was held today, July 30, for 29-year-old contract soldier Ashot Mikayelyan, who was killed by sniper fire from enemy positions at a military post located in the northeastern part of Armenia, as reported by News.am.

Attendees at the funeral included the Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan, Deputy Minister of Defense Gabriel Balayan, head of the 'Bright Armenia' parliamentary faction Edmond Marukyan, Lori province governor Andrey Ghukasyan, Vanadzor mayor Mamigon Aslanyan, and fellow servicemen.

It is recalled that Ashot Mikayelyan was killed on July 27. He was married and expecting the birth of his first child, living in Vanadzor with his family. He had an older brother who is also a military serviceman.

On July 28, based on the Prime Minister's recommendation, Armenian President Armen Sarkissian awarded Ashot Gevorgi Mikayelyan posthumously with the 'Combat Cross' of the 1st degree for bravery and selflessness demonstrated while defending the homeland's borders.