"Acts of harassment in the Armenian armed forces are the gravest problem. It is also a problem in many other states," Armenian Minister of Defense Seyran Ohanyan stated in Parliament.

The Minister stressed that a professional army is a solution to the problem.

"However, the country cannot afford an abrupt transition to a professional army. I object to it," Minister Ohanyan said. He pointed out large-scale reforms in progress in the Armenian armed forces are aimed at enhancing security and preventing harassment.

Ohanyan stressed the Armenian army is transparent, which is his personal stance. "All the incidents are investigated, those responsible are identified and punished. The public ins informed, which will be future practice as well," Ohanyan said.

Commenting on the latest army incident, the minister stressed that the soldier Gevorg Kotinyan was killed as a result of harassment. "Experts have proved that. All the three culprits have been identified and will be punished," Ohanyan said.