Address by Chief of the General Staff of the RA Armed Forces, Lt. Gen. A. Davtyan Regarding the Situation Created by the Pandemic

The Chief of the General Staff of the RA Armed Forces, Lieutenant General A. Davtyan, has sent a message to the parents and relatives of conscripted soldiers. The message is as follows:

“Dear compatriots, the new type of coronavirus infection is expanding its borders day by day, including the Republic of Armenia. Facing the serious challenge of the coronavirus infection, the authorities of the Republic of Armenia have declared a state of emergency to combat and prevent the large-scale spread of the infection, its development, and its negative impact on the country’s economy through national and united efforts.

For the leadership of the RA Armed Forces, the soldier is the highest value, and everything possible is being done to keep them free from health issues.

In the current situation, to prevent the penetration of the infection into the RA Armed Forces, I address you:

• Do not unnecessarily interfere with the broad and diverse activities and preventive measures of the Armed Forces command, the Ministry of Health, and other state bodies against the pandemic.
• Approach the decision not to grant leaves to conscripted soldiers with understanding and awareness. This step is aimed at excluding the soldiers' contact with potentially infected citizens.
• Avoid sending food, hygiene supplies, and other means to the soldiers.
• Do not disclose information about the spread of the infection or the infection status of relatives, friends, acquaintances during phone conversations to prevent creating an anxious atmosphere among the soldiers.

By demonstrating maximum caution and restraint, you will allow your children to fulfill their duties without hindrances. I am confident and hopeful that, through our joint and mutually understood work, we will overcome this challenge as well. I wish health to us all.”