We Don't Have That Army, That's Why We Fear Shooting Today - Samvel Babayan

During a meeting with journalists today, former commander of the Defense Army Samvel Babayan commented on the invasion of Azerbaijani military forces into the territories of Syunik and Gegharkunik regions, stating that we must first and foremost have an army, which I have been talking about—that we do not have that army, and that's why today we fear shooting.

When asked whose fault this is, Babayan replied: "Those who have led in the last 20 years, up to now."

"The border has been extended 2-3 times, stretched hundreds of kilometers, not counting the front with Turkey, leading to the fact that there is no one to defend it. For that reason, we need to build an army, keep your head down, sharpen your teeth, and build a professional army. The fairy tale they tell that we have no money, we lack this or that. If you don't have money, surrender, surrender to the Turk, the Russian, the Persian, the American, surrender to someone. What are we talking about when you say you have no money? Ask the government how much money was spent during the war, was it a billion? So why haven’t they bought weapons worth a billion?" he emphasized.

Babayan suggested that if there are crimes, they should be investigated, and those people should be punished.

Talking about the possible delimitation process, Babayan said that first and foremost the issue of Artsakh needs to be resolved, and territorial integrity must be restored, providing a mandate area, only then can we move on to solving this issue.

Regarding the implementation of this process in Tavush and other border areas of Armenia, the former commander of the Defense Army added: "As for Tavush, I would say there are problems. If we indeed proceed with demarcation and so on, there are significant areas that are ours in their hands, and vice versa—there are a few enclaves that belong to them. The question is, are we gaining more or are they?"