The standing committee on defense and security issues of the National Assembly of Armenia held a meeting on March 25 to discuss the progress and results of the Government’s program (2021-2026) for 2023. The official document was approved in principle, according to the RA National Assembly as reported by NEWS.am.

During the meeting, Acting Minister of Internal Affairs Vahe Ghazaryan presented the work that has been done and the progress of the construction process. The focus is on strengthening four main components of security: military security, border security, public service security, and public order security. The responsibility of implementing security measures in Yerevan and the regions will lie with the regional governments.

Ghazaryan highlighted the efforts being made to strengthen border security across the country. Modern technical equipment, including 630 vehicles, has been provided for this purpose. He also discussed the progress in implementing public service measures and the use of water cannons.

In addition to the discussion on progress, the National Security Council allocated time to review documents related to the improvement of the country’s defense system. The Ministry of Defense has been tasked with improving the mechanism of payment increase for military servicemen through bonuses, in addition to their regular wages. As a result, the remuneration for military servicemen has increased from 222,000 drams to 459,000 drams. It was noted that bonuses are still being used to increase remuneration for firefighting employees. The changes in the public service system within the security sector have had a positive impact on the national consciousness, as presented by various public organizations.

The firefighting service has been fully equipped with eight vehicles, and two new helicopters have been acquired. Additionally, a fire and rescue service for water bodies has been established for the period of 2023-2030. The program for the years 2023-2026 has been approved.

Detailed information was provided regarding the reconstruction of trash incinerators, the construction of dams, the management of migratory processes, and other programs.

Ghazaryan also discussed the evaluation process of the security system. He highly praised the activities of the NSS security service and the ARM Police, whose results were presented at the National Security Council. It should be noted that yesterday, three individuals armed with grenades were apprehended when they attempted to approach the unarmed part of the NSS security service of the New Nork branch.

Regarding the mechanism of public service implementation, Ghazaryan explained that significant changes have been made. This includes the opportunity for employees to receive additional remuneration through bonuses, in addition to their regular salary. In the case of the employees involved in yesterday’s incident with grenades, they will receive compensation of 64,000 drams.

Ghazaryan also presented several other projects related to the management of radioactive materials, the improvement of traffic intersections, the accurate placement of signs by the Department of Transport, the implementation of preventive lighting on highways, the application of force by law enforcement officers in conflict situations during dust particle removal, the actual use of force in case of conflicts, and other relevant issues.

The Minister addressed additional queries from the committee members and provided clarifications on various topics of interest.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am