Details from the Meeting Between the Prime Minister and the Armed Forces Command

The Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, held a consultation at the Ministry of Defense with the senior command of the Armed Forces. The meeting was attended by Defense Minister Vagharshak Harutyunyan, Deputy Chiefs of Staff, Lieutenant General Artak Davtyan, and others.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Prime Minister addressed the attendees, stating: "Gentlemen generals and officers, Esteemed colleagues, I am pleased to see you, although we would all prefer that our meeting take place in a somewhat different environment and atmosphere. We, along with our state and our people, are literally going through a difficult trial, but I want to note that even in the hardest of times, our country, our people, no citizen, nor any member of the government, none of us can underestimate the undeniable services that many generals and officers, sub-officers, sergeants, and privates of the Armenian armed forces have provided and continue to provide to our country, including many gentlemen present in this hall.

I want to acknowledge that we continue to bear a common responsibility together, and I am confident that we will bear that responsibility with honor. I also want to note the following: The needs of the armed forces have been and will continue to be in the forefront of the government’s attention. Of course, this means that we must also be able to discuss, analyze, and respond to a number of questions together, and certainly jointly form a common vision regarding the future of the armed forces, primarily based on the opinions and perspectives of experienced generals and officers who understand the concepts of armed forces, military, and military governance not just as terms, but as daily work, daily effort, daily trials.

Once again, I want to express my gratitude to everyone for their services. These are not just words because I hope you have continuously felt that the government and I personally have a very high regard for all the efforts that have been made for the sake of our country, today and in the future.

You are aware that as of today, by the power of law, Lieutenant General Onik Gasparyan has been relieved of his duties as Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces. I wish to thank Mr. Gasparyan for all his services to the Republic of Armenia, not only during his time in the position of Chief of Staff but throughout his entire life, as he has practically spent his entire conscious life in the armed forces.

You are also aware that I have submitted a recommendation to the President of the Republic to appoint Lieutenant General Artak Davtyan as the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces. Mr. Davtyan has headed the General Staff from 2018 to 2020, and he is well-known to everyone for his work and his path.

I am confident that together we will be able to overcome this trial, and as a result of this trial, the armed forces, the Republic of Armenia, our state will emerge strengthened.

I ask all those present to continue their service as generals and officers of the armed forces, as pillars of the body, the structure that guarantees the security and territorial integrity of Armenia. I believe in you, I am convinced that the services you have provided—provided sincerely—are indeed deserving of the highest praise, and that praise can never disappear under any circumstances.

The Prime Minister added that there will be a more detailed discussion during the anticipated meeting regarding the appointment of the new Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces.

At the same time, the head of government emphasized that during difficult times, unity is essential for the Republic of Armenia and its people. "Thank you for your attention, and may God help us, to help each other, so that we do not lose the dream that has called each and every one of us to serve for the sake of the Republic of Armenia, for the sake of Artsakh, for the sake of the Armenian people," concluded Nikol Pashinyan.