I Believe the Army Fully Accomplished Its Task: Jalal Harutyunyan

The former commander of the Artsakh Defense Army, Jalal Harutyunyan, who was appointed as the head of the Military Supervision Service of the Ministry of Defense of Armenia, believes that the Armenian army has fulfilled its tasked mission. In an interview with Irakanum.am, Jalal Harutyunyan spoke about the assassination attempt on him, the army's defeat, his appointment, and other matters.

– Since the Second Karabakh War, and especially after the signing of the November 9 document, numerous questions have been raised about why Jalal Harutyunyan remains silent. Were you silent, or was there nothing to say at that moment?

– It is not that I was silent, but there was simply nothing to say, as I am a military man, and anything I would have declared during that time and afterward would contain military and state secrets. I have no intention of disclosing those secrets, as our adversaries, the Turks and Azerbaijanis, read such materials as well, and unintentionally, that would mean pouring water into the enemy’s mill. For this reason, I am not inclined to provide any clarifications or comments.

– Your appointment also received criticism. Was it expected, and why did you decide to accept the offer and take the position of the head of the Military Supervision Service of the Ministry of Defense?

– I am a military man, with no party affiliation. If I am capable of serving my country and being of benefit in this position, then I think it was correct to make such a decision.

– In the context of that same criticism, it was stated that you preferred to cooperate with the treacherous authorities.

– I do not participate in any political processes and serve exclusively our country; who is in charge or who supports whom is secondary for me. I started my military service on that principle and will continue to do so.

– What do you think was the main reason for the defeat of the Armenian army? Did the army fail, or was it the political-military leadership?

I believe that the army fully accomplished its task. If we analyze the actions of the adversary and compare what appetite it had concerning the deadlines for achieving its objectives, for example, reaching the borders of the Tegh village, then making comparisons and analyses, it is evident that the adversary could not reach its goal in a specific time frame without the involvement of mercenary terrorists and forces brought from Turkey and Pakistan. I should point out that the imbalance of forces sharply increased right from the first day.