“A play with numbers took place, I can not say that these numbers are objective”, so responded Davit Apinyan, expert of the “East” Strategic Analytical Center to the question of Aravot.am of whether it is objective to introduce Armenia in the 4th place among the most militarized countries. To recall that according to 2013 Global Militarization Index rating, Armenia ranks 4th by its military volume, Azerbaijan-8, Georgia-54, Turkey-23, and Iran-28. David Apinyan views the question in the platform of campaign, and notes, “To arrive at the conclusion is very relative, it is also relative whether Armenian ranks 4th or 5th. First, the principles of formation of this rating are unknown. Usually, these principles are by population, armor, purchase, etc., this ratio is considered. It is not logical that Armenia ranks the fourth place, there cannot be such a thing.”
Comparing with Azerbaijani volume of armor, Mr. Apinyan said, “It is obvious that as of today Azerbaijan is conducting fourfold and fivefold as large quantities of arms purchases in the global market. How can one compare, or find a match, when according to open information, Armenia is purchasing several times less arms, and all of a sudden ranks after Azerbaijan? It’s not logical.” In this respect, the military expert noted that it also might be ordered by some organizations to present Armenia in a negative spectrum. To our question of which side it would be beneficial, perhaps, to Azerbaijan, Mr. Apinyan answered, “To say definitely that it was ordered by Azerbaijan or another party, is not possible. But, one thing is clear that a mechanism of social survey pressure was conducted to present Armenia in more negative spectrum. However, one should not take it serious. There are hundreds of countries in the world, which definitely are ahead of Armenia in expenditure for purchasing armament; however, Armenia appeared in the fourth place. In such cases, mechanisms must be provided.” Especially, whom it can be advantageous to present Armenia as such, Mr. Apinyan answered, “There is no such source of evidence-based information material. Hence, we are just left in aspect of assumptions. According to it, it might be beneficial, of instances, the anti-Russian forces which consider Armenia the most important ally of Russia in the South Caucasus, and there is a problem to somewhat present the spectrum in more concentrated colors. I do not want to mention the names of the major opponents, as it would be a great honor for them. I do not also rule out the view that they have conducted survey in the South Caucasus countries followed by their principles, and decided to introduce Armenia in such a way.” Mr. Apinyan also emphasized the fact of Georgia and detailed, “The procurement of armor in this country is carried out in a closed form and their military budget exceeded one billion in three years. Hence, if we take the ratio of population and the armor, who will be the first. In short, I do not think that there is something objective there.”
Tatev HARUTYUNYAN
