Armenian opposition leader warns against 'illusory peace'

Opposition leader Seyran Ohanyan has warned against what he described as a “temporary and illusory peace” in Armenia, calling for urgent steps to restore the country’s military readiness.

In a statement marking Army Day on January 28, Ohanyan, the head of the opposition Hayastan faction and a former defense minister, said the Armenian armed forces remain the country’s key security guarantee and a decisive factor for regional stability, especially amid growing external threats.

He highlighted the Armenian army was formed under conditions of war, blockade and a disastrous earthquake, and went on to become a victorious and internationally recognized force due to national unity. However, Ohanyan argued that during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, failures by the “incompetent” political and military leadership, along with a breakdown in unity, severely weakened the army and contributed to continued setbacks.

Ohanyan stressed that Armenia should not be misled by the current security situation and must respond to what he called the adversary’s “deceptive actions” with swift and effective measures. He called for structural reforms, the creation of modern specialized units, improved training and the acquisition and proper use of advanced weaponry.

The opposition leader expressed confidence that the Armenian army could rapidly regain its strength and reputation if given sufficient attention and support. 

Concluding his message, Ohanyan congratulated servicemen on Army Day, wished soldiers and commanders safe service, and paid tribute to those killed in action, describing their sacrifice as eternal.