We Must Transfer the Energy of the Armenian Army from the Battlefield to State Institutions: Avinyan

Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinyan has sent a message on the occasion of the 29th anniversary of the formation of the Armenian Armed Forces, stating:

“Dear compatriots, today we celebrate the 29th anniversary of the Armenian Army in complex conditions, but I believe we have gained significant wisdom. As our lengthy history has illustrated, so too have our present events, reiterating the irreplaceable role of a national army in ensuring the physical existence of our people. The formation of our armed forces was itself the result of a historically non-standard situation when the army had to establish itself during the First Artsakh War.

Unfortunately, the reforms we implemented in the army over the past two and a half years have been unable to restore the broken balance of military power with the opponent, and the Armenian army was forced to engage in a life-or-death struggle in an unequal battle, nevertheless maintaining its backbone. In the recent war in Artsakh, the Armenian army demonstrated examples of bravery on an individual level that will not only be remembered but will also serve as exemplary studies in modern military art. The sacrifices of our soldiers, their ingenuity in desperate situations, creative thinking, and resilience all prove that the most important foundation for a robust army is present, and it remains for us to develop it from an institutional perspective.

I bow before the memory of our fallen servicemen and express my deep respect to their parents and relatives. I assure our servicemen who were disabled as a result of the war that the government is committed to addressing their issues with the highest standards. The defeat in the war should not leave us dejected, but rather serve as a turning point for our reflection, correcting past mistakes, and looking toward the future in a new light. We do not have the right to fail to ensure the welfare of our heroic soldiers; we do not have the right to neglect the memory of the selfless defenders of the homeland; we do not have the right to disregard our compatriots who have acquired disabilities.

In the coming days, we are obliged to transfer the energy of the Armenian army from the battlefield to the establishment of state institutions, also for the creation of a professional army. Congratulating everyone, particularly the personnel of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia and our soldiers, I wish peace and good service. You are the cornerstone of our statehood, and our homeland’s security is measured and will be measured by your courage.”