Not Integrating Territorial Defense Forces into the Army, It Will Be a Separate Unit: Samvel Babayan

Former authorities participated in the development of Armenia’s new strategic concept. It was previously coordinated with the authorities of Artsakh before reaching us. This statement was made today, September 9, during a meeting with deputies in the Artsakh National Assembly by Samvel Babayan, Secretary of the Security Council of Artsakh.

“Everyone signed, including the Secretary of the Security Council and others; all these records exist. We have merely welcomed it, and what pertains to Artsakh, we will take care of and present for broad discussion. We are not currently addressing this,” said Samvel Babayan.

Regarding the issue of creating a territorial defense force, he stated: “There will be a Security Council meeting on Tuesday, and the question of the territorial defense force will be discussed, how we envision it, and how it will operate. Our viewpoint is that we will not be integrating the territorial defense forces into the army; rather, it will be a separate unit.”

When asked whether there are discussions concerning the inclusion of diaspora Armenians in the territorial defense force, Samvel Babayan initially said he could not respond due to security reasons, then added, “I don’t think that diaspora Armenians will be able to assist at least in the first months, for various reasons. A strategic program is being developed so that we can be completely confident and have no issues, and Azerbaijan can be deterred.” He concluded with a saying: “If you have a nail, scratch your head. Do not place your hopes on anyone else; place them on yourselves.”