Prime minister: Soldier should understand there is state and people at rear

During his working visit to Artsakh, Armenian Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan visited today a frontline position of the Artsakh Defense Army at a section of the Line of Contact. He was accompanied by Prime Minister of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic Ara Harutyunyan, Defense Minister of NKR Lieutenant General Movses Hakobyan, members of the governments of Armenia and Artsakh, according to the press office of Armenian government.

H. Abrahamyan met the soldiers on duty at the frontline position, toured the military stronghold, familiarized himself with the conditions, had dinner with servicemen and inquired about their combat and psychological training. He handed presents to all the servicemen on duty for their selfless and brave service to the homeland. Two servicemen were demobilized. At the suggestion of Hovik Abrahamyan, they returned home together with him.

During a briefing with reporters, H. Abrahamyan appreciated highly the servicemen’s combat training and morale and expressed satisfaction with their living conditions and meals.

“It is important to be at soldiers’ side, listen to them and familiarize oneself with their problems on the spot. This time I felt more keenly their enthusiasm, confidence, and more importantly, their good condition. They perform a worthy task - they defend their country’s borders, their parents and families. The commander of the NKR Defense Army, defense minister is a very responsive man and is well informed about everything. As a state, we must create the best conditions for soldiers. The service on this dangerous frontline position when enemy snipers are only a few hundred meters away requires great caution and vigilance. You may rest assured that there will be constant attention to the defenders of our homeland,” the prime minister stated.

He stressed that ensuring the security is a priority of our country and stressed the importance of high-ranking officials’ regular visits to army positions. “The soldier should understand that there is the state and his people in the rear and they value his service dedicated to the nation. May God grant peace to our country,” Hovik Abrahamyan added.

The Armenian prime minister then visited a military unit of the NKR Defense Army. He talked with soldiers and officers and familiarized himself with the conditions there. In his speech to servicemen, Hovik Abrahamyan said in particular: “Rest assured that the authorities will do their best to improve the quality of your service. We will deal with all problems raised by our soldiers, officers and commanders. Everyone should realize that Armenia’s security starts with Artsakh’s security. We are at your side and we highly appreciate your service”.

The prime minister handed watches and domestic appliances to servicemen in recognition of their discipline and conscientiousness.

Prime Minister Abrahamyan ended his working visit to Karabakh with trips to defensive positions of the NKR. The government delegation led by him will return to Yerevan today.