VIDEO: Deputy Minister of Defense on 2.4 Billion Dram Contract with 'My Step' Parliamentary Candidate

I cannot rule out corrupt practices in the armed forces. This was stated today, December 9, during a conversation with reporters by Deputy Minister of Defense Gabriel Balayan.

“I cannot exclude such manifestations, but a lot has changed, and the increased attractiveness of military service contributes to this, meaning we have announced an increase in the number of conscripts. In any case, if the new food supply and the new quality of clothing had been implemented on time, we would have a different picture, and the reforms would have progressed much faster,” he noted.

According to Balayan, the main challenge is in the procurement sector. “I believe that at least from the perspective of appeals, we have a very good situation today, and while working in the Ministry of Defense, I have personally encountered many cases related to material provision and food supply. If they have not disappeared, at least they have decreased, and we acknowledge that we have a lot to do and are working in that direction,” he stated.

Regarding the contract worth 2.4 billion drams with a candidate from the 'My Step' faction, Gabriel Balayan said, “The Ministry of Defense operates within the framework of the law and the legal regulations set by the government’s corresponding decision. If there is a concern about a corrupt transaction, I believe the organization was not the only participant in the competition; they can challenge it through the appropriate procedures. If there have been no appeals, then what are we talking about?”

He also emphasized that all procedures have been followed and there is no issue of direction. “I can directly say that there is no directedness because I know how the organization is held, considering what focus will be on a large amount, all procedures have been followed,” he stated.

Video: News.am