Tigran Abrahamyan, an MP representing the opposition Pativ Unem faction, on Wednesday dismissed the “army reforms” touted by the authorities, claiming they are actually aimed at removing skilled officers.

He recalled the fighting between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces in the Tavush border area in July 2020, saying it could have escalated into large-scale hostilities if not for skilled military personnel. He praised General Grigory Khachaturov for his role in stopping the Azerbaijani attacks.

“The leader of the most combat-ready army corps, Grigory Khachaturov, proved himself as an accomplished commander who "intercepted" the plans of the enemy and dictated the rules of the game on the battlefield,” Abrahamyan wrote on Facebook on Tuesday.

“Naturally, the authorities did not forgive Khachaturov whose reputation grew as a victorious commander, and did not extend his term of service.

"The so called “reforms" in the army started back when commanders of various ranks were forced to quit the military amid the trap set by the authorities,” the MP said.