The Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia, Artak Davtyan, has issued a congratulatory message on the coming New Year and Armenian Christmas holidays.

"During 2019, the Armed Forces leadership has undertaken extensive work to modernize the Armed Forces, increase the level of security on combat duty, test domestic production weapons, and complement the weapons stock," the message reads, in particular. “The armed forces have been complemented with new weapons and military equipment (…).

One of the most important military events of the passing year was the large-scale strategic military exercises that were unprecedented (...).

Living conditions of the servicemen performing combat duty have improved.

And as a result of all this, the number of casualties (deaths) in the Armed Forces decreased by 22 percent in 2019, compared to 2018, with service-related deaths—by about 48 percent.

(...) our army is stronger today than ever and is ready to fulfill its honorable mission of keeping the borders of the two Armenian states intact.

Yes, we do not want war, but we realize that being ready for war can only bring peace.”