Karabakh President introduces new Defense Minister to command staff

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) Republic President Bako Sahakyan on June 15 signed a decree to release lieutenant-general Movses Hakobyan from the position of the NKR defense minister, commander of the Defense Army.

According to another presidential decree, lieutenant-general Levon Mnatsakanyan was appointed the defense minister, commander of the NKR Defense Army.

President Sahakyan also inked a decree awarding Hakobyan with the Grigor Lusavorich Order for exclusive services rendered to the Artsakh Republic.

On June 17, Sahakyan visited the NKR defense ministry to introduce the newly-appointed defense minister Levon Mnatsakanyan to the command staff of the army.

President Sahakyan expressed appreciation of the extensive work accomplished by the ex-defense minister Hakobyan, stressing that under the latter’s command the Defense Army's combat readiness reached a new level.

Sahakyan expressed confidence that Hakobyan would continue contributing his rich experience and knowledge in the new responsible position as the deputy head of the General Staff of the Republic of Armenia's armed forces.

Sahakyan further characterized Hakobyan as one of the most experienced generals, hailing his profound knowledge as well as authority and respect he enjoys in the army.

The Supreme Commander-in-chief of the Artsakh Republic armed forces expressed confidence that Mnatsakanyan will work with the same fervor as his predecessor, contributing all his skills and abilities to increase the army’s effectiveness.

Armenian defense minister Seyran Ohanyan and other officials were present at the meeting, Central Information Department at NKR President’s office reports.