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Armenian Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan appeared in Public Television’s “Beyond the Agenda” program aired on Sunday, where the minister reflected on number of issues the country’s military sector faces. Minister Sargsyan spoke of the prospects of military education institutions with a view of further improving the social conditions of the staff and the overall quality of the military service.

Sargsyan, in particular, commented on the merger of the "Little Mher" educational center with the Monte Melqonyan military school, suggesting the issue had previously been discussed with Armenia’s President and Prime Minister.

“Starting from September 1st Monte Melqonyan military school will have improved conditions - swimming pools, tennis courts, the best education ground and teaching staff to allow 10-, 11-, and 12-graders to apply and get free of charge professional military education. I am confident this should encourage our boys and their parents alike,” the minister has noted, adding upon the final decision the new school may be relocated to one of the most attractable sights of Armenia, Tavush Marz.

Minister Sargsyan has dismissed media reports suggesting he is set to head the ruling RPA party’s proportional list ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections in April with a follow-up appointment to the post of the country’s Prime Minister. Sargsyan attributed the speculations to the media “attempting to attract larger audience through hot headlines.” 

“As to the question of the future Prime Minister, the Head of the State (President Serzh Sargsyan) announced at the RPA Convention that Karen Karapetyan will continue his tenure should the Republican Party win the forthcoming elections. Irrespective of the fact what the party list will look like, which is yet to be discussed at the RPA Board and Executive Body sessions, President Sargsyan remains the leader of our political force. Those trying to put forward new versions are driven by a desire to attract wider audience,” Sargsyan added.

“I would be the happiest person if the results of the elections allowed me to continue this work as long as possible to strengthen the capabilities and raise the level of defensibility of our Armed Forces,” the minister stressed, adding the latter appears to remain his ultimate interest he could ever have.

Minister Sargsyan reflected on the supplies for the Armed Forces, outlining the measures to improve overall procurement procedure. The goal of the reforms, per minister, is ruling out any possibility for abuses in procurement and supply procedure through more transparent and open work.

“We are interested in buying the required products of the high quality at the lowest possible price. I think those suppliers working with the army have noticed the effects of the new policy. Over the past months the volumes of fraud supplies have drastically dropped, while the efficiency of the newly signed procurement contracts is impressive in terms of the prices,” the minister added, vowing strict measures against people who have damaged the armed forces through their unlawful activity.