YEREVAN, APRIL 1, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian side has a more prepared Army after the April War, former defense minister of Armenia Vagharshak Harutyunyan told a press conference in ARMENPRESS.

According to him, today Armenia and Artsakh continue the work which they began in 1991. Which is to have a powerful and efficient Army.

“Today the Madrid principles are on the table. The Armenian side is saying – the issue of Artsakh’s status gets solved, then only we discuss the remaining issues. Azerbaijan puts an issue, saying – give territories, then only we will discuss the issue of Artsakh’s status. Turkey in its turn supports Azerbaijan in the issue of returning territories. We know that what Azerbaijan is saying is deception. Azerbaijan doesn’t want to make any concession in the Karabakh issue. Therefore, the current situation will last long, and Azerbaijan will continue to carry out provocative actions at the borders. Therefore, the Armenian side must continue to strengthen its Army, which is being done”, Harutyunyan said.

He reminded how after the April War the Armenian side was able to discover and thwart the Azerbaijani operations and give a worthy counterblow. Harutyunyan underscored that this is the indicator of the work that has been done.

“Our soldiers are more prepared, and this is the main guarantee so that large-scale war doesn’t happen. People are asking how much longer do our children have to die. Yes, this is very painful for all of us. But the issue is the following, we either loose, or continue to struggle – by strengthening our Army”, he said.