Onik Gasparyan Claims That It Will Not Be Him Making Concessions, But Nikol Pashinyan

The Chief of the Armenian General Staff, Onik Gasparyan, has been actively discussing his tenure with lawyers for about a week. They have assured him that the legislation is in his favor, providing a possibility to extend his term irrespective of the actions of President Armen Sarkissian. It appears that Gasparyan may also appeal to the administrative court. The specifics of what that appeal would entail will become clear today.

Moreover, we learned that he has held numerous meetings with representatives from various sectors, emphasizing his determination by stating that it will not be him making concessions, but Nikol Pashinyan. Various scenarios are being conceived within the General Staff to increase pressure on the political authorities and compel them to resign.

Reportedly, before making any public announcement, Onik Gasparyan had a lengthy conversation with Pashinyan, urging him not to reduce the country to ruins and to show goodwill and step down. In meetings with both former and current officers, he assured them that he has no political interests - it is about the honor of the uniform and epaulettes, safeguarding the army. He indicated that their statements were provoked by political leadership after the defeat shattered the military's integrity and parts of the country were surrendered.

According to our source, removing Onik Gasparyan would not resolve the issue, as most high-ranking military officials, including leaders and commanders of army corps, have expressed that if the Chief of the General Staff is dismissed, they will follow him. They had even intended to publicly declare their support, but Onik Gasparyan did not allow this. Additionally, the 3-4 members of the General Staff who did not sign the declaration have reportedly not done so at Gasparyan's urging, as criminal cases have been initiated against them; Gasparyan predicted that this fact would be manipulated to claim they are demanded to resign out of self-defense.

Nikol Pashinyan and Vagharshak Harutyunyan have attempted to negotiate with various military personnel in recent days, but to no avail.