Top military official sacked after dismissing Pashinyan's "Iskander" claimsFebruary 25, 2021 - 10:58 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - First Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Tiran Khachatryan has been relieved of his duties. President Armen Sarkissian signed the decree on Wednesday, February 24, after receiving a proposal from Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Earlier, Khachatryan reportedly dismissed Pashinyan's claims that an Iskander missile bought by the former authorities had not properly exploded during the recent military hostilities with Azerbaijan. According to Terevan.Today, the former Deputy Chief of the General Staff even laughed at the suggestion that such a thing is possible. The Armenian Defense Ministry later denied, however, that Khachatryan has laughed at Pashinyan's statement. "In the article, the journalist has obviously not laid down the content of the telephone conversation and has, in fact, distorted it, causing misunderstanding among readers, which can be described as information provocation," the Defense Ministry said. Khachatryan was awarded the title of the National Hero of Armenia in fall 2020. The highest title in Armenia is awarded "for outstanding services of national importance to the Republic of Armenia in defense and strengthening of the state system and creation of important national values." Top stories The number of state universities will be reduced from 23 to 8 by 2030, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan has said. From September 21 to November 11, a total of 2,820 Russians registered at a place of residence in Armenia, the police has said. The situation on the contact line between Karabakh and Azerbaijan was relatively stable overnight, the Defense Army says. Defense Minister Suren Papikyan has visited the southern Armenian province of Syunik, the Defense Ministry reported on March 18. Partner news | Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. CSTO recognizes Armenia’s sovereign right to withdraw Tasmagambetov has said that if Armenia decides to leave the organization, “it will be the sovereign right of Armenia.” Ex-President: Only removal of “defeatist” rulers can save Armenia Former Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan has shared a message on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. |