YEREVAN. – Hraparak daily of Armenia writes: Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces, Onik Gasparyan, has been actively discussing the matter of his tenure with lawyers for about a week, who have assured that the [respective] legislation is in his favor, there is an opportunity to extend his tenure regardless of the moves by President Armen Sarkissian, and he can remain in office as Chief of General Staff even after March 9.

It is not ruled out that Gasparyan will also apply to the administrative court. It will become clear today with what lawsuit. However, we were informed that he had numerous meetings with representatives of other spheres as well, and insisted on his determination, saying that not him, but [PM] Nikol Pashinyan will be the one to make concessions.

The General Staff is considering various scenarios which will increase the pressure on the political power and force them to leave. We were told that before publishing the well-known statement [demanding the resignation of Pashinyan and his government], Onik Gasparyan had a long conversation with Pashinyan, urging [him] not to turn the country into ruins until the end, and to show good will and leave [power].

And during the meetings with the former and current officers, he assured that he has no political interests, the honor of the uniform and the epaulette is the issue of saving the army, and such a statement was prompted by the political leadership, blaming the army for the defeat [in the recent Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) war] and handing over the country in parts [to Azerbaijan].