Abrahamyan: Those Talking About Military Reforms Have Aimed at Dismantling the Army

The head of the 'Henaket' analytical center, Tigran Abrahamyan, wrote on his Facebook page: 'During the government session, Nikol Pashinyan announced and reiterated his and the defense minister's assertion that a broad, deep, substantial reform process has begun in the army. There cannot be described qualitative or quantitative reforms, and one of its most crucial components—the public awareness part—should be zero. There are promises, statements, and nothing else. Apart from a couple of standard phrases, there is nothing under the guise of “reform.” What is being talked about, what should be done, within what timeframe, and how? Even the basic information about all this is missing. The defense minister has been in that position for five months, but the only thing he has excelled in is avoiding communication with journalists. Giving interviews in general terms to one or two media outlets does not solve any issues. Especially at this stage, when the public has many questions beyond the topic of reforms, yet the addressees are avoiding reality at all costs; in these conditions, there is only a smell of unseriousness. There has been war in the country, with a tragic outcome for us, yet the defense minister continues to evade any form of questioning. The basic level of accountability is absent; I am not even talking about respect, responsibility, or capabilities. What expectations can we have from this minister, whether the process is called reform or simply a clarification of a position? Those discussing reforms in the armed forces are people whose ultimate goal and the result of their activity throughout their lives have been the dismantling of that army. Or is the goal the complete waste of existing resources, depriving us of any capability of having a combat-ready army? Everything is understandable from this perspective.'