ArmInfo.After reforms in the country's Ministry of Defense, Armenia will have a new model with the first minister of defense will be chief of the General Staff, Defense Minister Suren Papikyan stated in an interview with the Public TV of Armenia.
"Reforms are being implemented in army management. These are not substantial reforms. The Armed Forces will only deal with defense of the country and combat training. Other departments will deal with procurement and services. That is, nonmilitary personnel will perform numerous duties, to start with rear services," the minister said.
The relevant bill will soon be submitted to Armenia's Parliament.
As regards criticism by some circles in Armenia over lack of reforms and arms procurement, Mr Papikyan said he has no intention to publicize the government's plans. Armenia's army must be modernized and made more efficient and must ensure the country's sovereignty. The minister is critical of the people speaking of the problems in the army in a provocative manner.
"They are doing it on purpose. Some processes cannot be openly discussed. And it is not only physical movement of arms to Armenia," the minister said. Those speaking of that can receive the information they are interested in, he added.
"We have started transition to processional army and we are going to initiate legislation soon. Professional army will be organically linked with fixed-term service," Mr Papikyan said.
"At present, we are carrying out huge fortification work along the border, and this work is under my personal control," he said.
About 13 companies are now carrying out road construction work, with simultaneous engineering work under way.
"The roads lead to the frontline. Our task is to fully provide both the road network and the frontline in summer. Engineering work is under way on the frontline," Mr Papikyan said.
Chief of the General Staff Artak Davtyan was dismissed on February 24, 2022. Vice-Chief Kamo Kochunts has since been Acting Chief of the General Staff.
