Epress.am News from Armenia
Speaking to reporters in the Armenian capital on Tuesday, commander of the Shushi battalion during the Nagorno-Karabakh War and one of the founders of the Sardarapat civic movement Jirair Sefilian asked for forgiveness from the relatives of soldiers killed not in a time of war while serving in the Armenian army.
“My condolences to the relatives of soldiers killed inhumanely… I apologize to them, that we [and] our generation were unable to create an Armenian army where morality should prevail. Again I apologize to all the relatives of the victims, those who are death — I personally, as well as those of my generation, bearing the guilt. Also, directing my words to our people, I urge [you] to be hopeful and patient, but not compliant,” he said.
The former commander added that the recent incidents are nothing new. After the ceasefire regime was declared, beginning in 95–96, the number of those killed was greater; however, unlike then, the number of those killed as a result of internal relations and procedural violations has increased in recent years.
“This system is incapable of shaping up or healing any establishment. There will never be any changes in this materialistic army as long as we have generals and commanders who drive $100,000-valued cars while a majority of soldiers’ families can’t meet their basic daily needs. Those soldiers call home, they say wait, six months will be up, I’ll come and work — we’ll have money for our daily bread. In these conditions of social injustice, nothing can be expected from these scum,” he said.