YEREVAN. – During his meeting Friday with Minister of Justice of Armenia Hovhannes Manukyan, French Ambassador Jean-François Charpentier extended condolences, on behalf of his country, in connection with the recent tragedy that occurred in Gyumri, Armenia’s second largest city.

As reported earlier, six members of the Avetisyan family—including a two-year-old girl—were shot dead, and a six-month-old baby boy was wounded in their house in Gyumri on Monday. Valery Permyakov, a serviceman of the 102nd Russian Military Base in the city, stands accused in this crime.

The French diplomat noted that he was deeply shocked by this killing of innocent people, and expressed the hope that the person who committed this crime will be subject to an equitable accountability and a fair sentence, informed the press service of the Ministry of Justice.

Manukyan, for his part, stated that everything possible will be done to bring the respective investigation to its logical end. He added that the authorities and the legal system of Armenia will be unswerving in this matter.

The minister also extended his condolences to the French ambassador in connection with the recent deadly terrorist attacks in France, and praised the French people’s determination to defend free speech and democratic values.

Reflecting on Armenian-French cooperation, the minister of justice noted that France is one of Armenia’s key partners, and the Armenian government appreciates especially France’s continuous efforts in the recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide.