A cutback in spending for RA defense under 2010 budget blueprint will make no difference to the state army combat capability, Hrayr Karapetyan, ARFD representative and head of NA Standing Committee on Defense, National Security and Internal Affairs stated.

According to him, the draft provides for the same level of defense budget as last years, that is 3.5% of GDP. Karapetyan considers that all necessary expense items are there, with construction expenditures cut only. “Therefore it will not affect the army anyhow. Moreover, organizational works are conducted for the armed forces’ enhancement,” he said. The politician also informed that Armenia put a point before international organizations on closer monitoring of Azerbaijan in terms of armament, that permanently violates provisions under Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe.

Karapetyan outlined that defensive ability is clearly demonstrated in the contact line. MP emphasized Armenia’s defense potential is more advanced and the recent incidents showed inability of Azerbaijani army. “The stories by Azeri leadership are untrue,” he concluded.