Armenian Armed Forces Chief of the General Staff Eduard Asryan has rejected claims that military training assemblies are being used as a tool of pressure or punishment against opposition politicians and their supporters.

He stressed that the army has never served as a punitive instrument, Armenpress reported.

“You should be proud of the Armenian Army, where all of our children serve. Military training assemblies are intended for Armenian citizens who are reservists, fall within the relevant age categories, and are registered with military commissariats in Yerevan or the regions. They must be called up in accordance with the established order,” Asryan said.

He added that training assemblies have been conducted since 2023 and have involved tens of thousands of Armenian citizens who have fulfilled their duty to the country.

The chief of the General Staff also addressed claims regarding Armenian citizens, particularly those arriving from Russia to participate in the June 7 elections, being summoned to training assemblies.

“Regardless of the country from which they arrive, when any Armenian citizen who is registered for military service enters the country and that arrival is recorded by the relevant systems, the military commissariat has the right to send them an electronic notification regarding conscription for training assemblies,” he said.