«Joghvoroud». During Increased Tensions at the Armenia-Azerbaijan Border, 'Border Selfies' Have Been Banned, Officials Haven't Reached the Border

During the current tensions at the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, the public didn't witness officials traveling to the border or taking selfies with soldiers, unlike in the April 2016 military actions. During that time, various officials, parliamentarians, journalists, and other individuals would seize any opportunity to visit the frontline, publishing photos and claiming they were alongside the soldiers, often publicizing even the smallest acts of assistance.

Currently, the situation is completely different. According to information from the newspaper «Joghvoroud», even after this increase in border tensions, several parliamentarians, officials, businessmen, and celebrities personally approached the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia, Onik Gasparyan, expressing their desire to go to the border, but were denied.

Our information indicates that the military leadership clearly stated that due to the coronavirus pandemic, it is not advisable to visit the border and interact with soldiers. They explained that this is an attempt to prevent the spread of the virus within the army. Furthermore, it should be noted that the Ministry of Defense issued a statement on August 5, emphasizing that even parents will not be allowed to attend the oath ceremony for new recruits. In fact, aside from this event, no interaction with soldiers serving on the frontline has been permitted to anyone, despite the many requests made.

The full article can be read in today's edition of the newspaper.