When Pashinyan Wants to Say Something, He Says It Directly: Alen Simonian

There is no tension in the Republic of Armenia. This was stated today, on September 24, by the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia, Alen Simonian, during a conversation with journalists, referring to the "exchange of fire" between Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and former head of the National Security Service, Arthur Vanetsyan.

"There are law enforcement agencies that know and recognize that they operate within the framework of the law," he noted.

Regarding Arthur Vanetsyan's harsh statement, Alen Simonian remarked, "I assess it negatively and believe that an officer who ends his text with the expression 'I have the honor' should realize that, having a long-standing good relationship with the head of state, he should not allow himself to work or respond in such a manner and style. Moreover, a person who held such an office should be very aware of this."

Alen Simonian stated that, although Arthur Vanetsyan is his friend, he finds such a response unacceptable. "Of course, I consider it unacceptable. Besides the many friends I have in Armenia, I have my biggest and most important friend, which is my political team. Even when my friend makes a mistake, I consider it right to tell him about it," he added.

Journalists inquired if he had told Vanetsyan that he was making a mistake, to which he replied, "I have not had contact; since his appointment to the position, we have rarely communicated, the best occasions have been at football matches."

In response to Vanetsyan's statement that Nikol Pashinyan sends someone to him to remain silent for a while, Alen Simonian said, "I have known Nikol Pashinyan for 10 years; when he wants to say something, he says it directly."

When asked if he considers it possible that Vanetsyan could be involved in any conspiracies, the Deputy Speaker replied, "Organizing a coup or conspiracy in Armenia today is something stemming from a premise of insanity because Armenia has the highest degree of democracy it has ever had. It's absurd. By the same logic, one could hit a tank with a stone."

As for possible statements from Vanetsyan, he responded: "It's his business, but everything said will harm the officer who 'has honor.'"