Republican Party of Armenia

 During his two-day working visit to the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, accompanied by NKR Prime Minister Ara Harutyunyan, NKR Defense Minister, Lieutenant-General Movses Hakobyan, Armenia and Artsakh government members, Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan visited a contact line at Artsakh defense army’s advanced positions.

The Prime Minister met with the soldiers and commanders on duty, toured the military stronghold, had lunch with the soldiers, during which the Premier learned of their service and welfare conditions, as well as their military and psychological status.

The head of government handed in presents to all members of the armed forces for bravery and selfless service to Motherland. Two demobilized soldiers were offered to travel back home in the company of the Prime Minister. In a briefing with reporters, Hovik Abrahamyan hailed the soldiers’ battle readiness and psychological status and expressed satisfaction with their living and nutrition standards.

“It is important to be close to the soldiers, listen to them and get acquainted with their problems. This time I was able to better realize that the soldiers have enthusiasm, self-confidence, and what matters most, they enjoy good service conditions. They are entrusted with a vital mission: they are protecting the Homeland’s borders, their parents and families. The commander of the NKR Defense Army - the Minister of Defense - cares much about his troops and has everything under strict control. As a nation, we must create better service conditions. At this perilous military position, where our troops are only a few hundred meters away from the enemy snipers, the soldiers call for greater care and vigilance. You may rest assured of the government’s sustained thoughtfulness and care,” the Prime Minister said.

Noting that security is a top priority to our country, the head of government stressed the need to for senior government officials to pay periodic visits to army positions.

“A soldier should understand that he has the nation behind him, those people who appreciate their service. May God grant peace to our country,” the Prime Minister said.

Then Hovik Abrahamyan called at military unit N of the NKR Defense Army, talked to the soldiers and officers, inspected their service conditions.

The Prime Minister emphasized that security is a priority to our country and underlined the importance of periodic visits of high-ranking government officials to battle positions. “Soldiers must understand that in the rear is the State, there are people who appreciate his service, a dedicated nation thing. May God give peace to our country,” the head of government added.

Then Premier visits N-hand, a military unit of the NKR Defense Army, spoke with the soldiers and officers, learned of the conditions of service and welfare. Addressing the troops, he stated in part, “I want to assure you that we appreciate very much the service of every soldier and officer. Talking to servicemen, we realized their dedication to protect our security. Be sure that the authorities will do everything to make your service better. We will address all your concerns. Everyone should understand that Armenia’s security depends on the security of Artsakh. Thank you. Please be assured that we will stand by you as we highly value your service.”

For high military discipline and integrity, the head of government handed in watches and household appliances to a number of servicemen and officers.

By visiting Artsakh’s defensive positions, Hovik Abrahamyan wrapped up his working visit to the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. Later today, the Prime Minister-led government delegation will be back to Yerevan.