The Position of Defense Minister is Political, I Was Not Satisfied with Karapetyan's Personnel Policy: Agazaryan

Surens Papikyan will find it much easier to feel liberated in terms of personnel changes and to identify military figures among the colonels and majors below our general staff who can comfortably hold high military positions. This was stated by deputy Hovik Agazaryan from the ruling "Civil Contract" faction in an interview with NEWS.am as he commented on Suren Papikyan's appointment as Minister of Defense.

"In parliamentary systems, anyone without a military career can be appointed as Minister of Defense, as this is a political position and not the position of the Chief of General Staff, so there is no issue. I consider Suren Papikyan's appointment highly appropriate because our generals, Vagharshak Harutyunyan and Arshak Karapetyan, who have had longstanding close relations with the Russian general staff, have shared challenges and have learned together. This has its advantages on the one hand, but negative aspects on the other, as one can find oneself constrained in expressing certain positions due to personal relationships. However, if one of the key actors from the political team holds this position, it sends a political message indicating that decisions in this field are much more significant than merely solving current issues.

Additionally, since Suren Papikyan is not a military figure who has risen through the military system, he will find it much easier to feel liberated regarding personnel changes and to identify military figures among the colonels and majors beneath our general staff who can comfortably hold high-ranking military posts and thus bring about significant changes in personnel policy. The generals who have also used their positions for personal enrichment will be replaced by colonels who will carry out their duties with great honor before the homeland," said Hovik Agazaryan.

In response to our question about whether Arshak Karapetyan's resignation might have been related to border issues the previous day, Hovik Agazaryan replied, "Such decisions are not made in half an hour; they are made in advance after discussing many issues. I can say that I was not satisfied with Arshak Karapetyan's personnel policy." Earlier, we reported that Arshak Karapetyan was relieved of his duties as Minister of Defense, and Suren Papikyan was appointed in his place.