THE NEW YEAR’S MESSAGE OF THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE SEYRAN OHANYAN

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30. 12.09

Gentlemen generals, officers, ensign, soldiers, honorable
battle-comrades, dear compatriots, the year of 2009 has come to an
end. Like every year, this year, too, the preparations of the AF were
filled with various events and programs. And we can assure that it
has been a year of achievements for us. In 2009 the RA AF were guided
by the following slogan: "New quality to the RA AF, and a new course
to the defence reforms." The defence reforms were aimed at keeping
our Armed Forces in accordance with the modern demands and creating
such a defence system, which will be capable of responding to any
crisis conditions. The structural reforms in the Armed Forces made a
clear distinction between the functions of the Ministry and the GS,
which enabled us to improve the modern strategic planning process
under the defence strategic review process.

Indeed, the most important issue of our AF is the realization of
the teaching and educational function. Thus, I might say, that the
educational process is a most important path, where we have paid more
attention to the readiness of the management system and managing
organs. The operative-tactical, tactical and staff commanders’
military exercises, staff trainings and the commanders’ military
readiness trainings have shown that the theoretical and practical
knowledge of our commanders and chiefs has increased – today they
fulfill the organization, preparation and managements of the modern
infantry battle process.

We have paid serious attention to the individual readiness of our
militants, because it is due to the battle expertise, knowledge, skills
and capabilities of each individual that the work of military-units,
detachments and formations becomes harmonized and efficient. And
we have increased the capabilities of the troops solve realize the
unique issue which is present in our Armed Forces today.

By guarding our borders on the frontline we have realized an issue,
which is aimed at ensuring peace for the people. I might say that
another peaceful year passed in general and united conditions. Serious
attention has been paid to the improvement of the AF recruiting system
– first of all the staffing system. The drafting conditions have been
improved. We pay special attention to recruiting officers of modern
capabilities in our Army. The AF is being staffed with professional
sergeants – it is to say, we are gradually increasing the professional
element in the Army.

Great attention has been paid to the issues of logistics as well. By
satiating and modernizing the armaments and new military equipment
today we assure the compliance of the armaments and equipment of our AF
with the contemporary military requirements – we do everything not to
fall behind the leading armies of the world. The social-economic issues
have also been in the centre of our attention. Around 400 militants
have had a house-warming in the course of this year. And over 400
families of war-victims and the first, second, third degree disabled
have received compensations or their housing conditions have been
improved. We will continue this course in the coming year as well,
because the RA Government pays serious attention to the societal
issues of our militants and individuals who are equalized with them.

One of the most important issues is the development of the public
affairs sector. We believe that today the Army ought to be open to the
public, indeed, taking into consideration the confidentiality demands.

We have sought to strengthen the links with schools and higher
educational institutions. By this we can increase the reputation
and honor of the AF in the public, amongst our compatriots, for
everyone ought to be ready for the defence of our motherland. 2010
should be a year of more consistent work. Of course we are to follow
the same slogan, however, we will emphasize that in the AF 2010 is
announced to be a year of knowledge and we believe that the theoretical
knowledge of each individual, translating into skills and abilities,
must increase the fighting capabilities of our AF. Dear compatriots,
first of all I would like to congratulate our battle comrades. I also
want to congratulate the families and relatives of the war-victims,
the missing, and the disabled. We are to continue the work of our
battle comrades and we will take it to the end! I want to address
my words to the Armenian people – the Army will fulfill its task,
and we will make sure that the year of 2010 is a year of peace! I
especially want to congratulate our youth – the future is in their
hands – only due to their bold initiatives can we keep the fighting
capacity of our AF and can ensure the prosperity of our motherland.

Dear co-servers – generals, officers, contractors, ensigns, and
soldiers – I wish you a happy New Year. Above all I wish you success
and happiness, warmth in your families, and I pray for you to be happy
first of all in your families. And this happiness will convey to our
AF, ensuring continual success. I think that on these days of New Year,
especially at the night of New Year, each of our compatriots will take
a glass and first of all remember the soldiers guarding our borders,
thanks to whom we were, are and will be able to ensure the peaceful
labor of our compatriots.

Marry Christmas and a happy New Year and may 2010 be a year of peace,
success and nationwide achievements.