Armen Sarkissian Decides Not to Sign the Order to Dismiss Onik Gasparyan

The President of the Republic of Armenia, Armen Sarkissian, has decided not to sign the draft order for the dismissal of the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Onik Gasparyan. This was announced in a statement from the Public Relations Department of the President's Office.

"The President of the Republic emphasizes the urgent resolution of the political crisis arising from the issue of the dismissal of Chief of the General Staff Onik Gasparyan. Meetings have taken place with the Prime Minister, General Onik Gasparyan, and the high command of the armed forces. The justifications provided by the Prime Minister for not accepting the objections of the President regarding the draft order for dismissal have been examined. It is evident that the existing situation is the result of disagreements among political and military leaders during the wartime and post-war periods, which have sometimes been approached in a very personalized manner. The legal ambiguities and interpretational issues related to the objections against signing the order cannot be overlooked either.

The President has previously emphasized that the prompt resolution of the issue within the framework of the Constitution is of paramount importance for the security and stability of Armenia and Artsakh, and is absolutely necessary for the preservation of statehood, preventing further division in society, restoring national unity and public solidarity, and finding a final resolution to the created uncertainty.

The President has decided not to sign the draft order. At the same time, guided by point 4 of part 1 of Article 169 of the Constitution, the President will separately address the Constitutional Court regarding the compliance of the Law of the Republic of Armenia on "Military Service and the Status of Servicemen" dated November 15, 2017, with the Constitution.

The President, adhering to his commitment, will continue to take steps aimed at further stabilization of the situation and calls on everyone to use the institution of the President as a platform to negotiate a comprehensive solution to all existing problems," the statement reads.