Mysteries Surrounding OMA: Funds Raised but No Program Launched

The "Joghovurd" newspaper reports: Due to the initiative of the "OMA" patriotic public organization, a series of defense events were organized during and after the war, including the "Gmbet" project, which involves the construction of wooden defensive points in the border zone, as well as training gatherings and courses.

After the construction of "Gmbet 1," work on the next structure began, and the structures intended to become "Gmbet 2" cost $2,300 each. A total of $92,000 was needed to implement this project, which was to be raised through various means, including donations and the delivery of old papers, with the accumulated funds directed towards financing the program.

According to information received by the news outlet, "OMA" has suspended its programs, specifically the construction of "Gmbet." To clarify these matters, the website addresses the "OMA" NGO directly. "Regarding the ‘Gmbet’ project, there have been no works for two days due to deteriorating weather conditions; it has snowed, making it impossible to continue work. Work will definitely resume later. We even had issues with the tractor, as the roads have become impassable. The information that 'OMA' conducted fundraising and left the work unfinished is not true. Currently, only the 'Gmbet' works are halted, while our other programs, like courses, continue, for which fundraising has taken place. Only for ‘Gmbet’ has there been no such fundraising," they noted.

Who actually oversees the operations of this militarized organization? Regarding the monitoring of fundraising, projects, and training by "OMA", the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia stated that neither the Ministry of Defense nor the General Staff have granted permission to the "OMA" public organization to carry out engineering works, and the "OMA" public organization has not conducted any engineering works in the "defensive second line" or within the areas of responsibility of the RA Armed Forces.

There has been no application or proposal from the "OMA" public organization to finance the ‘Gmbet-2’ project through the state budget of Armenia, according to the Ministry of Defense. In August 2023, a citizen of Armenia, Tigran Shahinyan, applied to the Engineering Troops Administration of the Armed Forces with a proposal to create a shooting point using worn-out tires. The Engineering Troops Administration supported T. Shahinyan by providing him with the necessary space in the ‘Baghramyan’ training ground. T. Shahinyan prepared the firing position using one large tire with a diameter of 3.5 m, 27 smaller tires, 15-20 wooden beams (railway ties), and 15-20 sandbags. All materials were previously used and did not require any financial investment for acquisition.

The firing point was tested through detonation, which rendered it inoperative, and the proposal for its implementation in the troops was rejected. The Engineering Administration learned later that this structure was referred to as ‘Gmbet-2’ in September 2023 from Shahinyan. He did not present himself as a representative of the ‘OMA’ public organization and later, when asked if he was affiliated with the aforementioned organization, he stated that he was cooperating with ‘OMA’.

The RA Armed Forces adequately carry out construction and engineering works in the border and rear protection areas of the Republic of Armenia and do not require material and financial support for their implementation. The financial resources allocated to the Ministry of Defense from the state budget for this purpose are fully sufficient to adequately organize the aforementioned work.