MAY 9 HOLIDAYS OPPORTUNITY TO TOUCH UPON ARMY BUILDING ISSUES
Azat Artsakh Daily, Republic of Nagorno Karabakh [NKR]
07 May 07
On May 2 the NKR minister of defense Lieutenant-General Seyran Ohanian
held a news conference. Seyran Ohanian is the chair of the republic
commission of the celebration of the liberation of Shushi, the 62nd
anniversary of the victory in World War II and the 15th anniversary of
the NKR army on May 9. He said there will be a demonstration of
force. The last demonstration was ten years ago. This year’s
demonstration will differ from the previous one for it will be the
biggest ever in Karabakh. The minister said foreign military personnel
and reporters have been invited as well. `By the way, the results of
different analytical surveys suggest that the state of our army is
known to the leaderships of different country, including their army
command,’ the NKR minister of defense Seyran Ohanian said. With regard
to the situation at the line of contact, the minister of defense said
the cease-fire is violated every now and then by shooting. Recently
shootings were reported to the northeast of the line of contact. Two
Armenian officers were killed, unfortunately. ` However, it does not
mean that we are weaker than the foe. We dictate the rules on the line
of contact thanks to our army’s effectiveness and organization of
sentry duty. As to my appointment, there is a convention in the world
military experience and history. The service personnel can be invited
to serve in other countries. In 1992, for instance, most officers of
the Soviet army (not necessarily Armenians) wished to serve in the
Armenian army. I got an offer and an invitation, and I accepted it,
and if I am appointed chief of the general staff, my goal will remain
the security of our nation.’ As to who the next minister of defense
will be, Seyran Ohanian said the question is still under
consideration, and after the consultations the head of state who is
the commander-in-chief of the army will appoint someone who will suit
this position.
NICOLAY BAGHDASARIAN.
07-05-2007