The Statement of the President of the Republic on the proposal submitted to the President of the Republic to dismiss the Chief of the General Staff of the RA Armed Forces Onik Gasparyan

On February 25, 2021, the proposal and a relevant draft decree of dismissing Colonel-General Onik Gasparyan, the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia, were submitted to the President of the Republic.

In connection with the proposal, the President of the Republic had consultations and meetings with the government representatives, parliamentary and extra-parliamentary forces, and the highest commanding staff of the Armed Forces.

The Office of the President of the Republic studied the draft decree, and the leading lawyers and independent experts discussed it in detail.

Summarizing the viewpoints of the lawyers and experts, it can be concluded that the draft decree Prima Facie contradicts the Constitution.

Once again, we emphasize that the President of the Republic does not support any political force and makes decisions guided exclusively by state and national interests.

It is indisputable that the Armed Forces must remain neutral in political matters.

It is also evident that due to war, the Armed Forces personnel need all our support and attention today more than ever. The Armed Forces and the staff have a priority; to resolve their problems should not be overlooked in any case.

The current situation is unprecedented and requires systemic and comprehensive solutions. Frequent changes in the personnel cannot regulate the current situation in the country.

Let us remind you that the draft decree was submitted to the President of the Republic after the statement of the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces and over forty high-ranking military officials, and under the conditions of martial law, political crisis, and serious challenges to security.

Within the framework of his constitutional powers, the President of the Republic returned the draft decree with objections.

The President of the Republic pursues one goal: to guard the country against the dangers threatening to the constitutional order and security and to ensure the country’s stability and the regular activities of the Armed Forces.