‘General Should Not Serve the Authorities’: Gevorg Kostanyan on Vanetsyan's Resignation

‘Joghurdt’ newspaper interviewed former Prosecutor General of Armenia and lecturer at the Prosecutor General's Office of Russia, Gevorg Kostanyan:

– What do you think about the situation surrounding the resignation of NSS Director Arthur Vanetsyan?

– I am familiar with the statements regarding Vanetsyan’s resignation made by both Arthur Vanetsyan and Nikol Pashinyan. As a second-class advisor in justice (Lieutenant General), I understand very well what Vanetsyan means when he expresses concerns regarding the country’s fate, alluding to the honor of an officer. Believe me, a person who has spent his entire life under the epaulettes, especially an officer of national security, does not make such statements lightly. However, his position has constrained him from speaking publicly about many matters, but as a person responsible for the country’s security, he had an obligation to warn.

I have known Vanetsyan for many years as a national security officer and I am also familiar with the reputation he has gained outside Armenia in recent times as NSS Director, including in areas of intelligence and counterintelligence.

– What do you think is the reason for the harsh rhetoric between Pashinyan and Vanetsyan?

– You know, there has always been the impression in Armenia that a high-ranking official should serve the authorities, and for that reason, if anyone expresses an opinion that differs from that of the current authorities, it is considered unacceptable. Of course, there are many officials who operate in a way pleasing to the current powers and are appreciated today as well. But we must not forget that authorities are temporary, while Armenia is eternal. History will show who defended Armenia’s interests and whose service brought benefits to Armenia and whose was harmful. In my opinion, Vanetsyan has never served any authority; he has served, serves, and will serve the state. In general, a general and an officer—whether in the army or law enforcement—should serve not the authorities but the country.

Read the full article in today’s issue of the newspaper.