No $8 billion in weapons, and the country has been sold off: a survey in Syunik

During a survey conducted in Syunik, residents of the region expressed frustration over the unprecedented growth of Armenia’s national debt, questioning the government’s claims that the vast sums borrowed were directed toward strengthening the country’s defense capability.

According to those surveyed, if the billions of dollars in question had genuinely been spent on weapons, the outcome of the war would have been entirely different.

“If the authorities had bought weapons, we would not have lost. They say we purchased $8 billion worth of weapons, but I won’t believe it until I see it with my own eyes,” said one Syunik resident.

Respondents also noted that Armenia holds reserves of gold and molybdenum that could have served the state, but instead ended up in private hands.

“Armenia’s assets, including its gold and molybdenum mines, have been fully sold off or privatized. Why was the state unable to operate these mines on its own? They sold the entire country, the people are left with nothing,” said one survey participant.