Armenian Defense Minister Jalal Harutyunyan Injured, Replaced by Mikael Arzumanyan

The President of Artsakh, Arayik Harutyunyan, has announced that Jalal Harutyunyan has been relieved of his duties as the Minister of Defense and Commander of the Defense Army of the Republic of Artsakh.

“Dear compatriots, guided by Article 93, Clause 4, and Article 94, Part 3 of the Constitution of the Republic of Artsakh, I have signed a decree according to which Lieutenant General Jalal Anatoliy Harutyunyan has been relieved of his position as Minister of Defense - Commander of the Defense Army of the Republic of Artsakh. Another decree appoints Major General Mikael Albert Arzumanyan as the new Minister of Defense - Commander of the Defense Army, granting him the military rank of Lieutenant General. The decision to relieve Jalal Harutyunyan is driven by the imperative of the moment, due to his recent injury sustained at a combat position, and should not be a subject of speculation.

I wish Jalal Anatoliy a speedy recovery and am confident that he will return to serve the homeland soon. I trust that Mikael Arzumanyan understands the degree of responsibility in his new position and will spare no effort to justify that trust,” stated the President of Artsakh.