Cutting the defense budget is an irresponsible step that does not serve Armenia’s interests or contribute to the strengthening of its security, said Robert Kocharyan, the second President of Armenia, during his press conference Tuesday.

The former president pointed to major problems with international law in the world and the absence of powers granted to the UN under its own Charter.

“In this situation, Azerbaijan is increasing [its] military budget, while Armenia [is] cutting [it]. I have no explanation. It’s a question that cannot be explained logically. One can only speculate. It’s being done because [Azerbaijani president Ilham] Aliyev has stated several times he will not allow Armenia to militarize. We don’t know what they talk about behind closed doors, what verbal promises [Armenian PM Nikol] Pashinyan has given,” Kocharyan said, adding that what cannot be explained logically enters the realm of rumors.

In any case, under such conditions, cutting the military budget is “an irresponsible step that does not serve Armenia’s interests and does not strengthen its security,” he said.

“Lasting peace is based on a balance of power. Otherwise, peace depends on one side’s goodwill. Are we ready to rely on Aliyev’s ‘goodwill?’ On he who awarded the title of hero to a serviceman [of Azerbaijan] for beheading an Armenian [serviceman] in Budapest?” the second president of Armenia reminded.