Minister of Defense Davit Tonoyan told reporters at Yerablur that his son is also a soldier. “Yesterday was his birthday.” When asked if his son had come home for a break yet, Tonoyan said, “He did, and he already went back.”
When asked if his son had noted any problems in the army, Davit Tonoyan replied, “I try to listen to him more so as a parent. Yesterday, I congratulated him, saying ‘Mr. Junior Sergeant, I congratulate you,’ to which he replied, ‘Thank you, Mr. Minister.’ That is the type of relationship we have now. When I receive some information, I try to respond to it as soon as possible, but I try to treat it like a parent would and not like a minister would.”
The minister told soldiers that he hopes they all have good moods, and that he wishes for them to move forward with peaceful and unshakeable spirits, but without losing their carefulness.
When asked if bonuses were handed out within the Ministry of Defense, the minister responded that large amounts of money were set aside for bonuses last year, which was done with special care. “It was given to workers who are on combat duty first, two times if I’m not mistaken.”
We asked if criminal cases have a negative impact on the Armed Forces as Seyran Ohanyan warns. Davit Tonoyan said, “Of course… They obviously do have some impact on the Armed Forces, but we overcome it and work better than before.”
Hripsime Jebejyan
