The Concept of Establishing a Professional Army is Ready: Suren Papikyan

The concept of establishing a professional army is already ready. This was stated today by Defense Minister Suren Papikyan during the meeting of the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Defense and Security, in response to questions from Gegham Manukyan, a member of the NA 'Armenia' faction.

Gegham Manukyan reminded Suren Papikyan that he announced the concept back in February this year, but it was sent back for re-editing by the Defense Minister. “Today is already December 1, but the issue of the coherent conceptual strategy of the Armed Forces is still pending; that concept does not exist. Moreover, it is difficult to imagine how fragmented legislative changes could work,” noted Manukyan.

In response, Suren Papikyan stated, “Yes, I have said from the NA podium that the concept that has been presented has not been approved by me and has been sent for editing. The legislative initiatives that are currently on our tables or have already been accepted by the NA are not at all fragmented; they stem from the government program of the Republic of Armenia. The overall concept is already ready. It will soon be presented for discussion by the Government of the Republic of Armenia.”