VIDEO: Simonian Shares Details from Soldiers Affected by Fire Incident

During today’s press briefing, National Assembly President Alen Simonian addressed the fire incident on January 19 at the military unit's engineering battalion in Gegharkunik province, which resulted in the deaths of 15 soldiers. When asked whether officials were informed about the causes of the fire from injured survivors or from the Investigative Committee, Simonian responded that he personally met with three soldiers.

“From what they shared, I don’t want to disclose too much because it was a personal conversation; let the investigation proceed, I assure you that all guilty parties will face criminal liability,” he stated.

Regarding whether individuals in political positions, such as Minister of Defense Suren Papikyan, would bear responsibility, Simonian said: “The Minister of Defense cannot be in any way connected to this incident because he has fully carried out his duties. I consider those political bargainings to be very shallow and irrelevant. The reforms that Mr. Papikyan is implementing and the responsibility he assumed after the war, agreeing to take over the army in that condition and start reforms, are significant. Reforms have been made, starting from personnel to the equipment, which has been and is being transformed. Since 2018, there hasn't been a single case where a purchase was not made due to funds, from elevators to pens,” said the Speaker of the National Assembly.

In response to the remark about why appropriate construction works have not been conducted to accommodate soldiers in modular barracks since the war, Simonian explained: “That was a construction site, right next to it is a modular house. The biggest problem with that house was that safety regulations were not followed. Those who were responsible for safety will bear responsibility. Turning a tragic incident into a topic for political speculation is inappropriate,” he concluded.