HAK congratulatory message on Army Day
January 28 marks the 19th anniversary of the Armenian Armed Forces. The opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK) has issued a congratulatory message on Army Day.
"Formation of the Armenian Army - a key anchor of Armenian statehood - was one of the most important episodes in the establishment of independent Armenia. The army was formed in war conditions and successfully passed its examination in the protection of Armenian borders and liberation of Artsakh Republic.
Our army thrived thanks to the joint efforts of Yerkrapah volunteers, regular officers invited to Armenia from the Soviet army and conscripts as well as the discreet steps of the political leadership.
The Armenian National Congress congratulates Armenian servicemen, Yerkrapah volunteers, and the Armenian people on Army Day. We also congratulate our imprisoned friends who have had their great contribution to the formation of the army.
The Armenian National Congress regrets that the army has failed to cherish the best traditions started in the first decade of its formation. The tragic events in the army, the deaths of servicemen and the involvement of the army in the deadly post-election clashes of March 1 testify to this. This is a rough violation of the constitution that dishonors our army.
We are convinced that pan-national attention and sobriety will help return our army its former qualities and legal functioning," reads the message.
