The draft state budget for 2022 is being discussed at the sitting of the NA standing committees. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan presented his observations, saying that they called it “to create a solid foundation for the implementation of our five-year program.” He began to list the areas in which growth has been registered and mentioned the priorities of the 2022 budget: reform and improvement of the security system, development of infrastructure, modernization of education and science.
“In 2022, the defense budget is 11% more than the 2021 plan, amounting to more than 345 billion AMD. We will consistently move towards creating a professional army in Armenia, but we will do it smoothly, with thoughtful steps, step by step increasing the attractiveness of military service, improving the image of officers, developing and improving the defense doctrine of the Republic of Armenia. In the new security environment, the protection of our country’s borders remains a top priority and we have set a task to carry out the border protection function more and more with the border troops every year.” He said that in the future they want to ensure that only the border troops protect the borders.
Pashinyan added, “The start of the withdrawal of the Azerbaijani armed forces from the Sotk-Khoznavar sector and the demarcation and delimitation of the borders between Armenia and Azerbaijan will create favorable conditions for resolving this issue.” As for the defense strategy of our country, Pashinyan emphasized that Armenia, like any peace-loving state, will develop the Armed Forces and defend itself from aggression. “Armenia has no intention to conquer territories.”
Hripsime JEBEJYAN
