Armenia’s military leadership is doing everything to reinforce the defensive borders and build new fortification and engineering structures. This statement was made today by Defense Minister Suren Papikyan during the discussion in parliament on the government’s implementation of last year’s program.
Responding to a remark by Anna Grigoryan, a deputy of the “Armenia” faction, about the deplorable condition of the front line, the minister stated that the line is by no means in perfect condition, and no one is turning a blind eye to that fact.
“Of course, not everything on the front line is as I would wish, first and foremost as defense minister. But everything is being done so that the front line becomes stronger as soon as possible. Previously, during a closed discussion, I presented the scope and nature of the work. That work is continuing,” Papikyan noted.
He added that the defensive line, especially after the September battles unleashed by Azerbaijan, requires full and complete outfitting. The matter concerns, among other things, the creation of certain rear infrastructure. Overall, enormous work awaits the army, and Papikyan, who has assumed responsibility, intends to complete what he has started.
The minister noted that over the past several years, hundreds of kilometers of field and high-mountain roads have been built leading to forward fortifications. Hundreds of strongpoints have also been constructed. Papikyan stressed that one must not forget the fact that during this period there were some incursions, due to which the line has shifted, and not in Armenia’s favor. From time to time, the RA Ministry of Defense is forced to establish a new front line; nevertheless, the means and capabilities are sufficient for a qualitative change.
