‘Capitulator’ Is a Political Assessment, Not an Insult: Toghik Tovmasyan

“I believe that the Speaker of Parliament should not have reacted so vehemently, because over the past eight months, they have heard the term ‘capitulator’ used against Nikol Pashinyan, especially after the document dated November 9, which is essentially referred to as a document of capitulation since there is nothing favorable for Armenia in it except for the word ‘ceasefire.’ A leader who signs such a document is deemed a capitulator,” opposition MP Anna Mkrtchyan said in relation to a well-known incident during the ‘Freedom’ channel’s ‘Sunday Analytical’ program with Hayr Tamrazyan. This was echoed by the Chair of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Human Rights Protection, Toghik Tovmasyan, as reported by aysor.am.

“The Prime Minister is the head of the RA Armed Forces, the General Staff, and the Ministry of Defense, meaning he is the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. Therefore, when we talk about political responsibility, it is naturally Nikol Pashinyan who is the number one responsible. ... Yes, we have all failed, but the one accountable for the security of Armenia’s borders and the loss of 75 percent of Artsakh is, of course, him,” emphasized Tovmasyan.

Tovmasyan also urged all those who condemn the vocabulary used or hate speech in general to set an example through their own behavior.