Armenia: President Refuses to Confirm New Army Chief | Asbarez.com

President Armen Sarkissian refused on Thursday to appoint a new chief of the Armenian army’s General Staff nominated by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

In a short statement announcing the decision, Sarkissian’s office did not specify his “objections” to Pashinyan’s pick for the top military post: Lieutenant-General Artak Davtyan.

Davtyan already headed the General Staff from May 2018 to June 2020. Pashinyan moved to reappoint him on Wednesday after completing the sacking of the previous army commander, Colonel-General Onik Gasparyan, who has demanded, along with 40 other high-ranking officers, the Armenian government’s resignation.

Gasparyan condemned his removal as “unconstitutional” and said he will challenge it in court. The army top brass voiced support for the general.