Candlelight Vigil Held Without Any Political Speech: Artur Hovhannisyan's Clarification

The spokesperson for the Armenian Ministry of Defense, Artur Hovhannisyan, has issued a clarification regarding his reported participation in a rally described as revengeist-Kocharyan. He stated: “As an individual and as the spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia, I regularly visit Yerablur. I do this not only with leadership but also individually, at any time of the day. I have never interfered in any internal political processes and do not do so now, as I have taken an oath to serve my Motherland, the Republic of Armenia. This service does not recognize any political color or orientation. Considering all this, and unlike those individuals and officers who have forgotten that in service one must serve without political divides, I have randomly encountered young people in Yerablur who I have not met before, nor have I participated in any other actions with them. I did not see any political slogans, speeches, or posters among them. I lit candles with them at the graves of our heroes. All heroes, again without any shading. The candlelight vigil was held without any political speeches, calls, slogans, or mentioning anyone's name. The Ministry of Defense of Armenia and I have always welcomed and will continue to welcome the sincere patriotic impulses of the youth; Yerablur is open to everyone, as politics cannot exist there.”