There is no need to suppress Andranik Kocharyan, and he “will specifically observe the mask wearing regime”. This is what Minister of Health of Armenia Anahit Avanesyan told reporters today.

On the morning of November 9, deputies of the “Civil Contract” faction of the National Assembly of Armenia visited Yerablur Military Pantheon. All the deputies were wearing face masks, except for Chair of the Standing Committee on Defense and Security of the National Assembly Andranik Kocharyan. When deputy of the “Civil Contract” faction Vigen Khachatryan noted that he wasn’t wearing a mask, Kocharyan smiled and said the following: “It’s fine for me.”

Touching upon this incident, the health minister said the following: “If laws, orders and other legal acts are approved and in legal force, they need to be enforced and are equally binding for all citizens of Armenia. No office or other status can be an exception. So, Mr. Kocharyan will continue to wear a mask, and all others also need to follow the rule and wear a mask.”

According to her, the epidemiological situation has become stable a little, but this doesn’t mean it is safe to apply the anti-epidemic measures less.

“I repeat — either we wear masks and get vaccinated, or our relatives will be on ventilators and will lead a struggle for life or death,” the minister said.

In response to a question whether officials should set an example for the population, Avanesyan said she thinks they truly need to set an example, but added that ‘there is no need to suppress Kocharyan’ and that ‘Mr. Kocharyan will specifically observe the mask wearing regime’.