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Armenian Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan’s reference to March 1 events at the meeting with opposition MP Nikol Pashinyan on Sunday morning “can in no way be treated as a threat”, Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan told n news briefing on Monday.

According to him, Sargsyan’s remark on drawing lessons from the tragic events of March 1, 2008, should be views as a warning that such situations can lead to escalations which no one will benefit.

“I believe that the fact of negotiations itself, despite all the formats aimed at hampering the talks, starting from holding them in front of media, at Marriott Hotel, shows the Prime Minister’s and government’s willingness to launch a dialogue,” he said.  

Asked about the possibility of involving the Armenian military in political developments, the minister cited the Armenian legislation, noting: “You and our society must be sure that our legislation sets the limit of involving the Armed Forces in such situations. This is possible only in case of declaring a state of emergency only for fulfilling separate clear-cut functions as a way to maintain the conditions of the [emergency] regime.”

Mr Sargsyan stressed that he and all the countrymen expect that no need for a state of emergency will ever arise in Armenia. “Let’s hope our country will not need it for many years. But that is what legislation is written for. It is written in calm situation to have appropriate procedures when tensions arise,” he added.