President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian has made the following statement:

“On March 11, 2021, the President of Armenia returned the Prime Minister’s recommendation on appointing Artak Davtyan Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Armenia and the attached draft decree with his objections. The same day, the Prime Minister sent his justifications in regard to the President’s objections.

The President of Armenia will not sign the draft decree and will not apply to the Constitutional Court.

On March 10, 2021, the President of Armenia applied to the Constitutional Court with the request to determine the compliance of the relevant provisions of the Law on Military Service and Status of Servicemen with certain Articles of the Constitution. The decision of the Constitutional Court and the undertaking of possible measures may have an essential impact on the legal regulations for dismissing or appointing the chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces.”