Defense Minister details Armenia's voluntary military plans

PanARMENIAN.Net - Defense Minister David Tonoyan has analyzed the reasons for the formation of a volunteer military in Armenia in an interview with the RFE/RL Armenian Service.

Tonoyan said the move seeks to first of all solve the problem of organizing self-defense in border villages: "I would describe certain actions as civil defense."

When asked whether the formation of the voluntary military means that weapons will be given to the civilian population, the Defense Minister replied that those reservists who are healthy, strong, patriotic and ready to defend the country will be given weapons and instructions.

"Since local governments are required by law to be involved in the organization of civil defense, this is a good opportunity to ensure the integration of command personnel and regional structures," Tonoyan added.

A week earlier, the Defense Ministry had submitted for public discussion a bill on the creation of a voluntary military in the country.