Pashinyan urges to break the backbone of drug trafficking through Armenia, explains reason of Hunan Poghosyan’s appointment

Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan presented today at the rally in Syunik’s town of Kapan why he appointed Hunan Poghosyan in the post of the governor of the province.

Poghosyan was former deputy chief of the Armenian police. Residents of Syunik were conducting protest actions against his appointment.

“Syunik is Armenia’s biggest industrial center. It is of strategic significance for Armenia,” Pashinyan said, adding that he is also concerned with the transportation of drugs through the province and the possible development of this illegal activity.

“Unfortunately, very often large amount of drugs are being brought to Armenia through Syunik. Part of it is being transported from Armenia endangering the authority of our country, the other part stays in Armenia endangering the life of our youth. My issue is to break the backbone of drug trafficking. It will be a naivety to claim that only foreigners are dealing with it. These foreigners cannot do it without having partners in place,” Pashinyan stated.

The acting PM also claimed that old traditions, the oligarchy continues in Syunik. “People were approaching me today and telling that attempts of restoring oligarchic traditions are being made here. We cannot allow it in liberated Syunik. When I was thinking about candidate for the post of the Syunik’s governor, I thought there was a need of person with highest military title, I thought that he should be a person who would manage to stand firm and fight against the unhealthy phenomena in the province,” Pashinyan stated, adding that while thinking of such person he stood on the candidacy of Hunan Poghosyan.