VIDEO: I will impose disciplinary penalties if addressed by name, or in any other way, says Alen Simonyan to MP

“How could Nikol Pashinyan and his teammates participate in the April War in May, and did they participate in the combat operations?” Armenia’s opposition faction MP Aregnaz Manukyan asked faction leader Seyran Ohanyan. Ohanyan noted that unity, a principle passed down through generations, was evident during both the Artsakh and April wars.

“During this 44-day war, the idea of unity and mobilization did not manifest in our people's actions. During the April War, many volunteer groups, including some conscription specialists, went to support the army because it was necessary to quickly fill all front lines. Many units participated in combat operations. Regarding Nikol Pashinyan’s unit, of course, they did not participate in specific combat operations of the April War. They were involved in certain logistical and engineering support tasks, which do not count as participation in combat operations,” said Seyran Ohanyan.

He added that they had carried out engineering work, for which the army leadership had expressed gratitude and awarded a certificate when Ohanyan was the Minister of Defense. “That certificate has now been signed by me. Am I supposed to take back that signature?” Ohanyan asked.

The atmosphere in the National Assembly session hall intensified again when Aregnaz Manukyan inquired of Seyran Ohanyan, “What do you think, why were the Nikol people constantly boasting that they participated in the actual operations?” Members from the ruling party began speaking out, to which Manukyan urged them to learn to hear the truth.

National Assembly President Alen Simonyan also urged the opposition MP to remain correct, stating, “I will impose disciplinary penalties if addressed by name, or by altering the name, or in any other way. Everyone in this hall should be correct in general,” said Alen Simonyan.