The official reshuffle was carried out in the Armenian government today: President Serzh Sargsyan replaced the defense minister, the head of the Presidential Administration, the Security Council Secretary and the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic.
The head of the presidential administration Vigen Sargsyan was appointed the Minister of Defence. The vacant post of head of the Presidential Administration was taken by the Security Council Secretary Armen Gevorgyan.
Gevorgyan's office in the Security Council, in turn, was taken by the Chief of General Staff Yuri Khachaturov. The Deputy Defense Minister, Chief of the Logistics Department, Movses Hakobyan, became the new Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces.
By another decree Serzh Sargsyan re-appointed Edward Nalbandian as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia.
The Director of the Armenian branch of the CIS Institute, Alexander Makarov, speaking with a correspondent of Vestnik Kavkaza, said that the appointment of Vigen Sargsyan to the position of the minister of Defence is in line with a radical governmental reform promised by the president. "The logic here is in the need to bring new impetus to the government, while maintaining a certain continuity. Vigen Sargsyan has worked in the government committees for a long time and could work with the issues related to the country’s defense. On the other hand, he has significant experience in managing," the expert expects.
"Another aspect is constitutional changes carried out in Armenia last year, which should make the state system work in line with the strategy for greater democracy. Appointing a civilian, who has experience in management and a needed experience in the sphere, is part of the path of such development, which is being pursued in Armenia today. In addition it will improve the efficiency of management, ensuring the defense capabilities of the country,” Alexander Makarov added.
According to him, personnel reshuffles after this appointment follow the same logic. "Gevorgyan is an experienced manager, which the presidential administration staff needs. Khachaturov, in turn, has professional experience in the military sphere and has all the necessary information related to security and defense, to lead the Security Council. Therefore, it was expected that Khachaturov's deputy became the new head of the General Staff. Security and professionalism are fundamental issues for Armenia today," the expert said.
