Fiancee of Balıkcı killed in Turkish army tells about cruel treatment of the soldierApril 27, 2011 - 18:16 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The tragic death of an Armenian Turkish soldier serving in the military on April 24 - the day the Armenian Diaspora marks the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide - could not have been an accident, as was officially claimed, the young man's fiancee said. Sevag Sahin Balıkcı (25) died on April 24 when, according to official reports, his friend's rifle accidentally discharged. The military said the two boys were “joking around” with their rifles before the accident, Today’s Zaman reported. However, his fiancee, Melani Kumruyan, does not believe that Balıkcı's death was accidental. In statements made to various Turkish newspapers y, she said: “An investigation into this is under way. I want the truth to come out as soon as possible. I don't think it happened when they were joking around. I knew Sevag really well. He was not someone who would joke around with guns.” Kumruyan and Balıkcı, who both lived in the Kurtulus neighborhood of Istanbul, met when they were 17 and got engaged with the blessing of both families two years ago. The Sabah daily quoted Kumruyan as saying: “I don't believe that it was an accident at all. The senior sergeant had beaten him up over a lost 50 lira bill.” Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |