David Tonoyan's Address

The former Minister of Defense of Armenia, David Tonoyan, has sent a message. In his address, he states:

“Dear compatriots, fellow soldiers:

After decades of service in the Ministry of Defense and the executive branch, I am today terminating my tenure in the state system.

I sincerely believe that all the ideas implemented during my period of office, thanks to the honest and dedicated work of my colleagues, make a modest contribution to the development and improvement of our country's defense system.

However, any summarization of my activity is inappropriate today, as that summarization inadvertently became the Second Artsakh War.

Am I satisfied with my work during the war and its preparatory phase? I think that certain conceptual directions need revisiting, which I failed to implement, and in this regard, I am ready to bear my share of the responsibility.

But I assure you that the entire staff of the Ministry of Defense and the armed forces has acted under the principle of responsibility to the homeland, leaving nothing untried for the sake of victory, always doing more than required by their official and work duties. I want to express my special words of gratitude and admiration to these people.

We spent countless hours together, often working 24-hour days, not only during this war.

It is an honor for me that I had the opportunity to be a part of this fanatical team for many years, which will continue serving the homeland for a long time.

I am convinced that the Armenian Army is strong and will become even stronger.

At this moment, the decision to terminate my office is doubly difficult, as I am not accustomed to avoiding difficult situations by taking the easy and customary road when the service to the state and the people is at stake. I have followed the same principle since the spring of 2018.

But the current situation requires defusing. I want my departure to be seen in that context.

I bow before the memory of our fallen comrades and their relatives, and I would also like to apologize to those whose hopes I could not fully justify. However, I do not consider my service to the people completed.”