Levon Kocharyan Responds to Nikol Pashinyan's Statement: I Have Slept Not Only in Military Units but Also in Tents

The younger son of Armenia's second president Robert Kocharyan, Levon Kocharyan, has addressed the statement made by the acting Prime Minister and head of the 'My Step' alliance, Nikol Pashinyan, regarding the military service of Robert Kocharyan's sons, claiming they have served in Yerevan and never slept in a military unit.

Levon Kocharyan has also published photographs taken during his military service. Below is the full text of his post:

“Today I heard another lie about myself. I am not surprised, as this continues the same pattern that has been carried out for years through a well-known newspaper. There are many examples. I spent my childhood in Stepanakert under bombardment, in basements, just like others who did not leave Artsakh during those years. Undoubtedly, my peers who spent their youth in Artsakh during the war can agree with me that we all dreamed of one day wearing military uniforms and participating in battles. I remember how much contempt the adult boys faced who avoided going to war. I believe no one doubts that being the son of a president, I could have continued my studies in graduate school and then in a doctoral program, and like some others, benefit from loopholes to avoid service, later looking down on those who did not serve. Nevertheless, I decided to serve. I underwent the planned combat training program in a special task force of the National Security Service. I have slept not only in a military unit but also in tents in the Pambak mountains. I do not hide that I received special attention from the officers, which was honestly not pleasant. I still maintain warm connections with my fellow servicemen. Like before, during, and after my service, I continue to engage in sports and the development of sports and a healthy lifestyle. I believe that the high physical fitness of young people is one of the most important components of military readiness. I have always felt proud of my father's path, participating in the war, and taking on a key role, and I too am ready to serve my motherland. I bow before all those who have sacrificed their lives or put themselves at risk for the defense of the homeland. I wish peaceful service to everyone.”