Today We Are Subjected to Criticism, but We Must Not Lose Heart: Onik Gasparyan's Statement

The Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia, Lieutenant General Onik Gasparyan, has sent a message on the occasion of Army Day, in which he states:

"Dear fellow soldiers, today marks the 29th anniversary of the formation of our armed forces. We commemorate this historically significant day with a sense of bitterness, but our hearts are also filled with pride. On September 27, 2020, our armed forces honorably accepted the challenge thrown at them and, for 44 days, heroically withstood, accomplishing the military tasks set before them, fighting against an adversary with multiple advantages, inflicting significant losses on them. In this unequal struggle, unfortunately, the Armenian army also suffered irretrievable losses, but the enemy will remember for a long time the determination, resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment of our soldiers and officers to fight to the end and their selfless dedication.

On the battlefield, our comrades achieved miracles, writing their names in golden letters in the pages of Armenian history. The heroism of the soldier and officer of the Armenian army will never be forgotten, and our people will justly honor its heroic children. Today we are often subjected to criticism, but we must not lose heart. We understand that more was expected of us... Our compatriots were filled with boundless faith in the Armenian army, and I can responsibly state that we remained faithful to the oath we took and fulfilled our sacred duty to the state and the people.

Thank you for elevating the honor of the nation and for your unprecedented feats. The army has no right to be demoralized; the soldier, officer, and general can only bow their heads in front of the sacred memory of our fallen comrades and their families. Now, more than ever, the army needs trust and comprehensive support.

No matter how difficult and challenging it is, we continue to perform the sacred duty of defending our homeland, organizing combat duty in new positions, and taking effective measures to restore the army's combat readiness. I am confident that 2021 will open a new chapter in increasing the combat capabilities of the army. To those who are despondent, to those who have lost faith in us, and to those who criticize us from various powers, sometimes even openly insult us, I assure you that the Armenian army will quickly recover from its wounds and will demonstrate its strength to the enemy.

We must always remember that the enemy is at our doorstep and has not abandoned its insidious intentions to destroy Armenian homes. The army is the force that can and must stand firm and halt the enemy’s encroachments; no one will do this in our place. On this holy day, let us congratulate each other on Army Day and promise our fallen comrades that we will continue their unfinished work, we will spare no effort, and through diligent daily work, we will strengthen the army and wage an uncompromising fight to defend our national and state interests.

I am convinced that the Armenian army will have many glorious victories, remaining faithful to the best traditions of the Armenian military. Congratulations on your day, Armenian army! Eternal glory to our comrades who fell for the homeland!"