Defence Minister distances himself from war veterans’ organization

168 Zham, Armenia
May 22 2008

Armenian defence minister distances himself from war veterans’ organization
"Explained"

Speaking to journalists, Armenian Defence Minister Seyran Ohanyan
explained yesterday [21 May] why he had left the Yerkrapah Union of
Volunteers [in the Karabakh war] after the [19 February] presidential
election.

"I have not left Yerkrapah. We have suspended our participation in the
board. Apparently, today’s leadership cares more about the Yerkrapah
members and the liberation fighters than anyone else in the army’s top
leadership. We have suspended our participation because there were
various rumours about political steps circulating in connection with
Yerkrapah, and the Yerkrapah leadership did not take any decision."
When asked if the Armenian leadership was no longer interested in
Yerkrapah, Ohanyan answered: "Armenia needs yerkrapahs. All the
Armenian people should be liberation fighters to defend the country."

[translated]

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

Emil Lazarian

“I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia . See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” - WS