Armenian health minister rebukes MP over military service remarks

Armenian Health Minister Anahit Avanesyan has criticized senior ruling party MP Andranik Kocharyan for comments about his son’s exemption from the military service, saying she was “deeply hurt” by his remarks and underscoring that serving in the armed forces is both an honor and a formative experience.

Writing on social media on Monday, Avanesyan, whose two sons are currently serving in the army, said Armenia’s army is made up of “worthy and bright young men” who choose to fulfill their duty to the nation before completing their studies. “Military service is a great school of life that cannot be replaced by anything else,” she wrote. “They are the pride of the country.”

Her remarks followed Kocharyan’s response to a journalist who asked why his son had not served in the army.

“My son is exceptionally talented. If you had his level of knowledge, you wouldn’t serve either," Kocharyan said.