Speaking to Armenia, Artsakh, our Armed Forces from position of force inadmissible: Davit Tonoyan

Arms trade market is open for all, Armenia’s Defense Minister Davit Tonoyan said in an interview with the Voice of America.

“The decisions on purchase of arms are being made based on price, quality and supply conditions,” Tonoyan said, adding that he has never heard USA to supply products of military significance to Armenia and Azerbaijan.

“There was no such example. Of course, there were cases of supplies of products of dual significance,” Tonoyan said.

He said that after the statement of the U.S. President’s adviser on national security affairs John Bolton that Armenia may purchase weapon from the USA no progress has been registered.

The minister said the deployment of Russian troops in Armenia does not impede development of military cooperation with the United States in any way.

“It does not impede in any way. In the issue of military cooperation with any country Armenia is being guided with national interests, its security,” the minister said.

As to the deployment of Armenian humanitarian mission in Syria, and Armenia being the first country to respond to Russia’s call, Tonoyan said, “It is not only about Russia’s call, it is the call of the Armenian community, Syrian people. The moment came and Armenia did not have an opportunity to deploy mission on its own, and Russia’s Defense Ministry assists us in this issue, and we are very happy to have such opportunity.”

Referring to the statement he made in the USA, Tonoyan reiterated that no one may speak with Armenia, Artsakh, Armenian army from the position of force and threaten with possible war.

“What I have stated, I have stated as a defense minister. I repeat it is inadmissible to speak with Armenia, Armenian people, at least with Armed Forces and Defense Minister from the position of force and people must accept it,” Tonoyan said.