Armenian armed forces should play a more important role in social and economic life of the country, said yesterday the new defense minister, Vigen Sargsyan.
Sargsyan spoke about building a “nation-army” in his first public comments as minister.
“Given the environment of our present condition and existing political, it is clear that a strong army must remain an important part of our reality,” he commented before the Armenian Parliament.
He continued: “Therefore, we must understand two important things. First, find out how to make the army ceases to be a very heavy burden for our state and our economy. “
“This means that the entire population, not just those who serve in the armed forces, should have many scientific projects, economic, industrial and other impediments to the army,” he said. “In this sense, the military can be a solution rather than a problem.”
“And the second factor is a demobilized soldier of the army should be more patriotic, more educated, stronger and ready for the fight that young people who are called by the armed forces,” said Sargsyan during the question-answer-to the national Assembly.
The Minister also said that President Serzh Sargsyan and Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan agreed with his view of national defense.
Sargsian, 41, was appointed defense minister Monday as part of a government reshuffle following the resignation of Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan on September 8th. In naming him, President Sargsyan said the new minister should focus on a broader range of tasks, including the “political-military diplomacy”, military education and social security of military personnel.
Claire © armenews.com