Papikyan is not constrained in any way with the officials of the defense system, MP

Surik Papikyan is not constrained in any way with the officials of the defense system, which is normal, and it is also normal that ministers who have worked in this system for decades have numerous connections and constraints, and have their own teams. This was stated today, December 28, in a conversation with reporters in the National Assembly by MP from the 'Civil Contract' faction, Armen Khachatryan, adding that the rationale for appointing Surik Papikyan as Minister of Defense is also based on changes to be implemented.

"I consider it normal for the minister to have his team; it is not a crime, but at this moment this normalcy is not beneficial for us. Yes, we need a person who has no constraints, who can start anew from a blank slate, organize things and move them forward," he said.

In response to the observation that Surik Papikyan has not gone through a military path and lacks experience, can his words be heard in the Ministry of Defense, or will he meet with deaf resistance, the MP from the ruling party said: "This question arises in all countries, at all times, and with everyone, especially knowing that both the position of the Minister of Internal Affairs and that of the Minister of Defense are political positions and do not impose that one must have a military title, it even prohibits it. This has not happened by chance; it is the result of long-term international experience. One element of effectiveness is that yes, his positions are stronger. Besides that, the minister is more accountable than any general or police chief, who has no accountability to the National Assembly. The minister is a position that is accountable and enhances public control."

When asked what will happen with the Artsakh Defense Army, and it seems that Armenia is abandoning Artsakh, Armen Khachatryan responded: "Your question could even go unanswered because raising such questions does not serve the interests of the Defense Army, Artsakh, and our security in general. The Defense Army must exist; it must solve the problems put before it as efficiently as possible."