Foundation Provides 10 Million Dram to Families of Fallen Soldiers, Do You Want the Money in an Envelope? Pashinyan

The framework for beneficiaries of the Fallen Soldiers Fund (the '1000 Drams Fund') was determined during times when, as you say, you had close relationships with the authorities. This was stated by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan during a meeting today with the mothers of fallen soldiers, addressing Margarita Khachatryan, the head of the coordinating council of the 'Soldier' NGO.

“I do not recall you ever having such meetings, say, with Serzh Sargsyan, former prime ministers or presidents, and presenting such emphases. This is strange for me; at that time you had all the possibilities. Why didn’t you come to sit in front of the government back then?” Pashinyan said.

In response, Margarita Khachatryan stated that at that time, the government did not allocate 30 million dram to the families of the March 1 victims. She also added that previously, the Ministry of Defense provided funding to their organization from the extra-budget fund, and she personally gave the money in an envelope to the parents of the fallen.

“This means we are talking about the funding of your organization. Today, the fund provides a one-time payment of 10 million dram to the parents of the fallen soldiers. Do you want that money given to you in an envelope?” the Prime Minister responded.

“Do not create an atmosphere that makes the government think it is better to leave the old status quo where everyone is equally bad, rather than think about solving the problems. We will solve all issues by expanding and improving the work of the budget and the soldier insurance fund. You have not brought this issue to the agenda; I have brought it, and I will address these issues persistently,” Pashinyan emphasized.