Zhoghovurd newspaper of Armenia writes: Yesterday, January 24, the [ruling majority] Civil Contract [(CC)] Faction of the National Assembly met with Defense Minister Suren Papikyan. The reason for the meeting was the tragic incident that took place in Azat village of Gegharkunik Province, as a result of which 15 conscript soldiers became a casualty of fire.

The details of the Papikyan-CC closed meeting became known to Zhoghovurd daily. Thus, according to our sources close to the CC, although the most acute questions were addressed to the head of the defense department during the meeting, the meeting, in general, passed in a rather calm, non-tense atmosphere.

"We talked about all the problems, worrying phenomena that exist not only in the [Armenian] army, but also in the [Armenian] society in general. We all understand that those accountable (at least at the political level) for the incident are us all, it is the [ruling political] team, therefore there was no need to strain the situation or create tension at all," said our source, and added that the matter of Papikyan's resignation was not discussed during the meeting; not even a question-viewpoint was raised about that.

Moreover, those in attendance [to the meeting] encouraged Papikyan that at this crucial moment, when the [Armenian] army really needs to straighten its back, it should not be allowed that he [i.e., Papikyan] suddenly decides to leave [office].