YEREVAN. - I am ready to discuss any proposals on the new financial sources for the army.  

Defense Minister of Armenia Vigen Sargsyan said the aforementioned at the session of the profile committee of the parliament on Friday, speaking at the discussion on the draft amendments to the Law on compensation for harm to the life and health of servicemen when defending the Republic of Armenia.

In his speech, opposition MP Edmon Marukyan stated that the superfluous expenses, which the government staff allows itself, as well as the income ‘from the air,’ including the paid parking, can be directed to the sphere of defense.

“The income from paid parking must not only be returned to the budget, but also be directed for the army’s needs. At least then people will understand what they are paying for. Let alone the various officers – current and former – who travel on expensive cars at our cost,” Marukyan stressed.

In response, Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan stated that he is ready to discuss such proposals. “We know where and what to save on so that our army is financed better. But if you propose us your ideas, we are ready to discuss them,” the Minister added.