Armenian military in best shape ever, says Prime Minister

The Armenian military is in its best condition to date in terms of armaments, morale, combat readiness, and provisions, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Thursday, denying allegations by a lawmaker about low conscription numbers after his bill was rejected. “I must note that the Armenian military has never been in such good condition in terms of food, clothing, armaments, morale, and defense capability. The feedback from soldiers and their families is important to me, but that does not mean there are no problems. There is no army in the world without problems, and no country without problems.

Armenia’s Security Council, the government, and the Ministry of Defense have adopted a vision for the transformation of the military, and that vision is being implemented step by step. I do not see the need to comment on other statements, because when I try to clarify them, it turns out that what was said is not accurate.

It is another matter that when people make statements and it later becomes clear that those statements are based on incorrect facts, they should have the same political will to stand up and say, ‘Dear people, you know the fact I was talking about — it turns out it was not quite so,’” Pashinyan said, emphasizing that during meetings in communities across the country, many citizens have thanked him for reforms in the military.

The prime minister also expressed confidence that during a demonstration of military equipment acquired during his time in office, scheduled for May 28, the public will see the changes that have taken place in the army.

MP Hayk Sargsyan of the ruling Civil Contract party earlier argued that enlistment numbers have been declining and will continue to fall. He drafted a bill aimed at boosting enlistment, but it was rejected at a committee hearing. The Defense Ministry said enlistment numbers are, in fact, increasing.