WORKING MEETING ON THE RESULTS OF THE FIRST STAGE OF THE DEFENSE SYSTEM’S STRATEGIC REVIEW PROCESS

armradio.am
14.01.2009 10:41

At the working meeting conducted by President Sargsyan discussed
were issues related to the results of the first stage of the defense
system’s strategic review process. The five-staged process is scheduled
to be concluded by April, 2010, President’s Press Office reported.

Opening the meeting, the President of Armenia said, "Today, we are
revisiting the issue of the improvement of the Armed Forces and the
strategic review process of the defense system.

We have spoken about the role and significance of our army on
many occasions, as well as about the importance of its constant
and progressive improvement. On my regular visits to the military
stations I personally follow this process, the conducted works, the
social conditions, the moral and psychological environment and, of
course, the combat readiness. The progress, which is based on strong
foundation, is observable and undeniable.

There is no doubt about that. However, it is only the one side of the
issue, and we cannot content ourselves with that side exclusively. A
modern defense system is a compound structure which should not only
keep up with the contemporary demands but should also strive to
measure up with the highest standards.

>From this point of view we should be able not only to follow and react
to the developments taking place in the world but also to assume a
leader’s role on some directions. In some particular area we simply
must be able to state that this is the standard and we have achieved
the utmost results.

>From now on, I will be assessing the accomplishments and the set
targets on the level of the highest standards. This must be quiet
clear for us. Today we should set the bar at its highest and move
confidently toward it.

Needless to say, that it will demand persistent and coordinated
activities.

Just as there are no "holidays" in the army, there are no "holidays"
in the conducting reforms. The reforms cannot be implemented with
disruptions, we should work constantly.

Based on the principles engraved in the military doctrine, the
interagency commission set by me is conducting the strategic review
process of the defense system. The activities of the Commission are
monitored by the Secretary of the National Security Council and the
Minister of Defense.

This is an important process which is intended to put the planning
and development of our Armed Forces on a coordinated base. This is
especially important for a more sufficient utilization of the resources
allocated to the Armed Forces, and from the point of view of developing
the proportioned response capabilities to the current challenges."

The Minister of Defense Seyran Ohanian presented a report on the
works 0D of the Commission for the first stage of the strategic
review process which are related to the drafting of a document on
the assessment of the threats and the security environment in the
Republic of Armenia. He underlined that the draft document is aimed
at providing a prospective development for the defense system which
will be adequate to the current and potential threats.

The participants to the meeting presented their observations and
proposals regarding the draft document.

Concluding the meeting, the President of Armenia said that the threat
assessment cannot be dogmatic. According to Serzh Sargsyan, it should
be reviewed and reassessed periodically while the analysis on which
the assessment is based should be renewed constantly.

According to the President of Armenia, a job of this scale is being
conducted for the first time, at least on such a coordinated level
and it can serve as the starting point. On the following stages the
Commission should undertake the development of the planning documents.