Withdrawal of 25 km in Syunik Was Justified: Armen Grigoryan

The Secretary of the Security Council, Armen Grigoryan, addressed reporters today regarding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's statement that he instructed or decided during discussions that territories must be ceded in Syunik and that a withdrawal of 25 km should occur.

When asked whether this decision was discussed in a Security Council meeting or if Pashinyan made such a decision unilaterally, Grigoryan stated that it was reached after discussions. “There was no separate Security Council meeting on this matter, but naturally, members of the Security Council participated in those discussions,” said the Secretary of the Security Council.

However, he did not specify the justification for the order to withdraw troops, noting that it is a military secret: “After extensive discussions, this decision was made. I cannot provide details, but it was justified.”

When questioned whether this does not violate the document signed on November 9, 2020, Grigoryan reiterated, “All factors were taken into account in making this decision; both the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff were involved in the discussions, and the conclusion was based on comprehensive discussions.”

When asked what the state and public interest were in this situation, Grigoryan refrained from answering, stating, “Next time, during another interview, I will discuss this.”