Emergency Service Officer Must Clarify Source of Information on Burned Soldiers Being in Bed: Khachatryan

Gasoline was quite far from the barrack, but it was brought into the cabin. This was stated by Armen Khachatryan, a member of the ruling Civil Contract faction in the National Assembly and a member of the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Defense and Security, during a conversation with journalists on February 1.

He was responding to the theory propagated by the Pashinyan administration regarding a fire that broke out in a barrack of a military unit located in Gegharkunik. According to the theory, the fire started due to gasoline being used to intensify the flames.

“Gasoline is used in construction works there for operating tractors. I cannot say more to avoid obstructing the investigation; it will conclude, and all of this will be presented to the public,” Khachatryan noted.

The ruling party MP emphasized that the information shared by Colonel of the Ministry of Emergency Situations on Public Television, claiming that 14 out of 15 servicemen were lying in their beds, lacks any justification.

“The Emergency Service officer must provide the corresponding authorities with data on the source of this information,” he remarked.

Discussing the lack of basic conditions and fire safety measures in the barrack, the member of the National Assembly’s Defense and Security Committee stressed that regardless of how safe the barrack was, if 5 liters of gasoline were poured into a stove, it would be impossible to avoid damage. He added that the severity and extent of the consequences could vary.

“An investigation is underway, a criminal case has been initiated, and after clarifying all circumstances that need explanation, we will understand what needs to be done and what should not be done,” Khachatryan said.

According to the MP, it is premature to discuss political responsibility for the tragic fire until the circumstances of the case are clarified. Regarding the idea of declaring national mourning for the deaths of 15 servicemen, Khachatryan urged not to place this issue on the agenda, as Armenia is in a hybrid war.

“The situation may escalate into war at any moment in Armenia and the region. Considering this and several other circumstances, the government has not declared a day of mourning. I am confident that their reasoning is quite justified,” added the MP from the Civil Contract party.