Armen Sarkissian Does Not Sign the Draft Order to Dismiss Onik Gasparyan from the Position of Chief of Staff

On February 25, 2021, the proposal to dismiss the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Onik Gasparyan, along with the corresponding draft order, was presented to the President of the Republic.

In connection with the proposal, the President of the Republic held consultations and meetings with representatives of the authorities, parliamentary and non-parliamentary forces, and senior commanders of the armed forces.

The draft order was studied in the Presidential Administration and discussed in detail with leading lawyers and independent experts. Summarizing the opinions of these lawyers and experts, it can be concluded that the draft order appears to contradict the Constitution.

It is once again emphasized that the President of the Republic does not support any political force and makes decisions guided solely by national and public interests. It is undeniable that the armed forces must maintain neutrality in political matters. It is also evident that, due to the war, the personnel of the armed forces require more support and attention than ever before. Resolving the issues of the army and personnel is a priority and cannot be ignored under any circumstances.

The situation created is unprecedented and requires systemic and comprehensive solutions rather than frequent personnel changes without considering the current state in the country.

It should be reminded that the draft order was presented to the President of the Republic after a statement by the Chief of General Staff and more than forty high-ranking military officials in the context of martial law, a political crisis, and serious security challenges. The President, within the framework of his constitutional powers, has returned the draft order with objections.

The President of the Republic aims to keep the country safe from threats to constitutional order and security, ensuring the country's stability and the normal functioning of the armed forces.