ACCORDING TO VAZGEN MANUKIAN, NECESSITY OF FORMATION OF ARMENIAN ARMY HAD EMERGED STILL DURING SUMGAYIT SLAUGHTERS

Noyan Tapan
Jan 28, 2008

YEREVAN, JANUARY 28, NOYAN TAPAN. The Day of Army is a day of
memories and meeting with his combat friends for Vazgen Manukian,
the Chairman of the National Democratic Union party, a candidate
for presidency. Saying this at the January 28 press conference,
V. Manukian reminded the journalists all stages of formation and
establishment of the Armenian army. He, in particular, said that the
necessity to create the armed forces was first felt during the Sumgayit
slaughters: the Armenian people pinned its hopes on the Soviet army
before that. According to the NDU Chairman, the first Armenian armed
detachments were formed thanks to such patriotic persons as Hamlet
from Kapan, Misha, Vrezh from Sari Tagh, and others.

At present, according to V. Manukian, the role of the Armenian army
is too important for Armenia’s security, and it will be this way
during the coming 20-30 years, "until normal processes start in the
region." He added that he does not share the conviction of some people
that allegedly the country will develop only thanks to having a strong
army. According to his observation, parallel with strengthening of the
armed forces, we should start solving demographic problems. V. Manukian
stated that according to his preelection program, the compulsory
military service should last one year against the current two years,
as "it is enough for the young people to get acquainted with the
military work." Parallel with it, according to him, we should work
in the direction of having a professional army.