02.12.2025 | 18:15
Euromoney Names Ameriabank Armenia’s Best Bank for Real Estate for the Second Year in a Row
President Armen Sarkissian refuses to sign the draft decree on dismissal of Onik Gasparyan and returns it with objections
POLITICS
27.02.2021 | 18:08
On February 25th, 2020, the President of the Republic of Armenia Armen Sarkissian has presented a proposal by a draft decree to dismiss the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia, Colonel-General Onik Gasparyan.
In connection with the proposal, Sarkissian had consultations and meetings with the representatives of the government, parliamentary and extra-parliamentary forces, the highest command staff of the Armed Forces.
The draft decree was studied in the Office of the President of the Republic, discussed in detail with leading lawyers and independent experts.
Summarizing the views of lawyers and experts, it can be concluded that the draft decree is fundamentally contrary to the Constitution.
We emphasize once again that the President of the Republic does not support any political force and makes decisions guided exclusively by national interests. It is indisputable that the armed forces must remain neutral in political matters. It is also obvious that due to the war, the personnel of the Armed Forces needs our support and attention more than ever.
The solution to the problems of the army personnel is a priority, it can not be neglected in any case.
The current situation is unprecedented, requires systemic and comprehensive solutions, and can not be resolved through frequent personnel changes, without taking into account the current situation in the country.
We would like to remind you that the draft decree was submitted to the President of the republic after the announcement of the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, and more than 40 high-ranking military officials, in the state of martial law, political crisis, and serious security challenges. The President of the Republic, within the framework of his constitutional powers, returned the draft decree with objections. Sarkissian pursues one goal – to keep the country from threats to the constitutional order and security, to ensure the stability of the country, the normal operation of the armed forces.
