“The army is a large system, which is not operating apart from society. The army is a mirror of our society, and the positive and negative of society is reflected in the army,” Armenian Ombudsman Armen Rustamyan told a press conference on October 8, commenting on the recent army incidents. This January-September he received 39 complaints against the RA Ministry of Defense from 40 people.

“We must take a global view of things. The army must deal with problems, but we, for our part, must improve our society. Otherwise, the army is unable to put an end to the phenomena existing in the society itself. The army must improve itself, and we must improve our society,” Harutyunyan said.

The RA Ombudsman also said necessary psychological surveys have been conducted. “The results will be submitted to the Ministry of Defense for the problems as viewed by ordinary citizens to be revealed,” Harutyunyan said. He said he had a meeting with Minister of Defense Seyran Ohanyan. “I know they are concerned with the relevant work, and the situation will be improved within a short period, I am sure” Harutyunyan said.

As to when he visited Armenian military units last, the Ombudsman said he last visited them several months ago. “But our staff members pay regular visits to military units – 15 or 16 visits monthly. Before the end of this year they will visit military units in Vaiots Dzor, Syunik, Gyumri, Vanadzor and Tavush.”