Prime Minister Pashinyan Addresses Armenian Army Anniversary Celebration
On August 10, 2024, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan attended a festive event marking the 32nd anniversary of the Armenian Army’s formation. The event was held at the Karen Demirchyan Sports Concert Complex in Yerevan.
In his address, Prime Minister Pashinyan emphasized the need for significant reforms within the Armenian Army. He stated that the current model, based on outdated concepts and standards, is no longer sufficient for the country’s security needs.
Pashinyan outlined several areas that require attention:
Mindset: A shift is needed in the mindset of both soldiers and the public towards a more professional and dedicated military.
Speed: The pace of reforms and operational decisions needs to be accelerated.
* Recruitment: Addressing the low draft rate, which suggests systemic issues with the current recruitment system.
The Prime Minister highlighted the “Defender of the Citizen” program as a positive step towards building a professional army. However, he also stressed the need to address the underlying issues that contribute to the low draft rate.
Pashinyan concluded his address by calling for comprehensive reforms, decisive actions, and a strengthened law enforcement system to ensure the effectiveness and integrity of the Armenian Army.