Armenia’s ex-defence chief declines to talk about 44-day war defeat

Former Armenian Defence Minister David Tonoyan has ruled out his participation in the work of the parliamentary commission to investigate the country's defeat in the 44-day war.

Tonayan made the remarks in his recent statement, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

Earlier, the head of the parliamentary defence and security commission, Andranik Kocharyan, said that he was waiting for a response from former Armenian Defence Minister David Tonoyan over the latter’s participation in a meeting of the parliamentary investigative commission to probe the circumstances of the 44-day war. The commission was established in January 2022 and aims to find out the causes and factors of Armenia's defeat in the war.

"The main reason is that the information about the 44-day fighting, the previous and subsequent events is classified, and I cannot get acquainted with it because of the groundless and illegal detention," the former Armenian defence minister said.

Tonoyan also noted that in order to provide the commission with accurate data and facts, it is necessary to have relevant information, meanwhile, since November 20, 2020, he has not been involved in the Defence Ministry’s activities, in addition, he has been "isolated for 19 months on a far-fetched case"

According to the ex-minister, a ban has been imposed on his communication with the press, which deprives him of the opportunity through the media to respond to problems of concern to the public.

"The absence of independent experts and representatives of opposition factions at the commission’s meetings not only raises questions about its objectivity but also creates fertile ground for political speculation, slander and amateurish gossip," Tonoyan said.

The ex-minister also questioned the impartiality of the commission of inquiry's head, Andranik Kocharyan, "taking into account his irresponsible statements to me and the Armed Forces after November 9".

It should be noted that Tonoyan is accused of abuses in the supply of ammunition and is currently being held in the Armenian National Security Service’s pre-trial detention centre.

Armenian media recall that the commission was formed almost a year ago, it is led by the parliamentary defence and security commission head, Andranik Kocharyan.

The commission members have already listened to the arguments of incumbent Chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces Edward Asryan, who held the position of the operational department chief, ex-head of the General Staff Onik Gasparyan and former Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan.