YEREVAN. – Armenian Armed Forces are open before the society and people, Minister of Defense Seyran Ohanyan stated, during a briefing with news reporters on Thursday, commenting on his recent announcement that those who discredit the army will be severely punished.  

“We support those who wish to help us, we work with those who want to help. We work with any NGO, within the legal field. 

But when there really are slanders, personal insults, [and] unlawful steps, we try to work with such organizations in the legal field,” the Minister noted. 

In his view, NGOs and several individuals have taken steps toward discrediting the army. And in response to the question on what he would do in those cases, Seyran Ohanyan said: “Do you [actually] believe I would attempt to take unlawful steps?”