Defense Ministry to clarify bounds of confidentiality

All the phenomena observed in society are sooner or later reflected in the army, according to Armenia's Defense Ministry representative Alexander Avetisyan.

"Time makes developments in closed systems burst out from time to time," he told Monday a discussion devoted to Armenian army and society.

"Whenever you have a conflict with a neighbor you can close the door and go away, but that is not the case with the army. You can't avoid the problems of a serviceman, living with him for two years," he stressed, adding that armies face very serious problems in all countries worldwide.

Disagreeing with him, human rights defender Arthur Sakunts noted for his part that the Defense Ministry often refrains from reflecting the real situation in the army.

"We had information about 34 death cases, but Defense Ministry has published only 10. That means there is a lot of information we don't have access to. Incidence of violence is much higher, while making inquiries is not that easy," he said.

At that, he noted that Defense Ministry's policy should be aimed at preventing such incidents. In that connection he offered cooperation with society and a more transparent system.

"This is a close system. And the closer the system, the more the doubts that lots and lots of things may happen. Defense Ministry has to clarify the bounds confidentiality," he added.

Mr Sakunts also expressed concern over the decreasing number of soldiers enlisted in army service.

"The reforms were made on paper. The problems actually have become more serious. The situation with Armed forces was expected to be much better in peaceful conditions, with the fighting spirit being on a higher level, but that isn't the case since corruption and patronage are widespread," Mr Sakunts said.

Arguing with his opponent, Alexander Avetisyan dwelled on positive reforms in the army.

"Reforms are not visible when there is no desire to notice them. We are implementing internal reforms aimed at eliminating negative phenomena in the army," Defense Ministry official said.