The Director of the NSS Responds to Javakheti Armenians: Question of Mandatory Military Service or Imprisonment

The Director of the National Security Service (NSS), Arthur Vanetsyan, has denied reports claiming that Armenians from Javakheti who hold Armenian citizenship are being forced to join mandatory military service, or otherwise face imprisonment.

This response comes in light of inquiries from Tert.am regarding reports that Javakheti Armenians have been detained at the Armenian border and are being pressured to serve in the military, or have been threatened with imprisonment. Vanetsyan stated, "I officially deny this information; there is no such thing. We are not oppressing or recruiting anyone into the army; such claims are artificial noise."

In response to additional comments about road closures by Javakheti residents who claim individuals have been arrested, Georgian Parliament member Henzel Mkoyan communicated with Tert.am, stating that over 5,000 young people from Javakheti currently working in the Russian Federation cannot return home before the New Year because upon entering Armenia, they are detained and forced to join the military, with potential imprisonment of up to five years if they refuse. Vanetsyan remarked that such rumors have been circulating for a long time.

“These rumors have been around for quite some time; it was just two days ago that the road was blocked at the Bavra checkpoint, which caused a stir. We are aware of this issue, and let me clarify that Armenia does not impose restrictions on dual citizenship. If there is a problem, it lies with the Georgian authorities,” Vanetsyan added.

Regarding the matter of military service, Vanetsyan explained that citizens applying for Armenian citizenship must provide documentation proving they have served in the military in Georgia, which serves as a basis for not being conscripted in Armenia. “I reiterate, this issue has stirred artificial noise; we are well aware of it, and it's unnecessary to highlight it, we know more than what is being said,” he stated.

When asked about concerns from those who previously acquired Armenian citizenship regarding claims that it was obtained on the basis of fraudulent documents, such as counterfeit military records, leading to threats of conscription or legal repercussions, and that the Georgian side indicates the issue is with the Armenian authorities, Javakheti residents are preparing to appeal to the Armenian government. Vanetsyan responded, “I am aware of this and other related matters; there is no need to create undue problems for the Javakheti Armenians.”

It was also noted later that the Chief of Police of Armenia, Valery Osipyan, had met with several Javakheti residents who had blocked the Bavra checkpoint.