Surik Papikyan Was Persuaded to Attend the CPP Rally, Says 'Haykakan Zham' Newspaper

The Minister of Defense, Surik Papikyan, who is also a member of the ruling Civil Contract party's board, has increasingly distanced himself from his teammates in recent times and has limited communication with them. Finding Papikyan and reaching out to him has become a significant challenge even for his former close associates, and he has entirely stopped communicating with some members of the party. This information has been reported by the 'Haykakan Zham' newspaper.

He has been indifferent to party discussions, failing to participate even during critical moments, such as when clarifications are needed regarding the tense border situation. In many instances, his colleagues have had to involve intermediaries to connect with him. According to sources from the publication, even just two days before the September 17 municipal elections, Papikyan was only persuaded with great difficulty to attend the noisy CPP rally.

Government officials find Papikyan's behavior strange, as he was among the few in the CPP who previously managed to get along with everyone and resolve disagreements within the team. Surik Papikyan has always been considered one of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's favorites within the CPP, but now he has changed.