Armenian Side Lacked Preparedness During April War, Defense Minister Says

The Minister of Defense of Armenia, Davit Tonoyan, stated that he is clear about what happened and how during the April War. He acknowledged that there were shortcomings on the Armenian side during the conflict.

“The shortcomings of the Armenian side during the April War have been analyzed, and we are well aware of them,” he said during a conversation with journalists in the National Assembly.

When asked if he is ready to visit the investigative committee examining the events of April, the minister replied that he would, but he has not yet been invited.

In response to the clarification that it seems everything is clear to the Ministry of Defense and the investigative committee is taking steps to present details to the public, Tonoyan answered that one could say so.

“I am clear about what happened and how it happened. On the other hand, I believe that after the work of the investigative committee, all rumors existing in the public regarding the April War will be dispelled. I also expect that there will be a similar committee on the other side,” he added.

It is reminded that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced the need to establish an investigative committee in the National Assembly on May 20. Speaking about the “certain forces from the former corrupt system” that provoke disagreements between Armenia and Artsakh, he indicated that the time has come to create an investigative committee in the National Assembly to examine the circumstances of the April 2016 war. The chairman of the committee, Andranik Kocharyan, reported on September 5 that employees of the Ministry of Defense have been interrogated.