President of Armenia on the Prime Minister's Proposal to Dismiss Onik Gasparyan

The office of the President of Armenia has issued a statement regarding the proposal to dismiss the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Onik Gasparyan, following a declaration from the senior command of the Armed Forces.

According to the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, the President has a three-day period to express his position. The President, guided by the need to ensure the normal functioning of state bodies, has not had any fundamental objections regarding the appointment or dismissal of officials up to this point.

However, in the context of martial law and the existing crisis, the dismissal of the Chief of the General Staff should not be viewed as just another personnel change. According to the Constitution, the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia ensure the defense, security, territorial integrity, and inviolability of the borders of the Republic of Armenia.

In the current situation, no one should attempt to involve the President in political processes in any way. It is unacceptable to pressure the President in any form. The President has never been, nor does he intend to be, under the influence of anyone or any political force. In carrying out his functions, the President is guided solely by the interests of the state and the people.

President Sargsyan emphasizes the importance of stability and an atmosphere of tolerance in the country and will continue to do everything possible in that direction, believing that issues should be resolved through dialogue, rather than confrontation. The President considers the de-escalation of the current tensions in the country and a smooth resolution of the situation to be a top priority, and all his actions are directed towards that.