On November 3, Arpine Sargsyan, the Minister of Internal Affairs of Armenia, addressed multiple topics ranging from visa liberalization with the European Union to internal security, corruption allegations, and ongoing investigations during a joint meeting of parliamentary standing committees dedicated to the discussion of the 2026 state budget. During the meeting, Minister Sargsyan announced that active work was in progress to liberalize the visa regime with the European Union. She explained that Armenia was awaiting the official receipt of the action plan, noting, "Now the ball is out of Armenia’s court". According to her, the plan itself was not new and included measures that the Armenian government had already prioritized for various reforms.

Responding to criticism from opposition MPs regarding the deployment of police near the church in the village of Hovhannavank, Sargsyan stated that law enforcement officers had taken and would continue to take all necessary measures to maintain public order. She emphasized that the police regularly ensured order during numerous religious events across the country. "On the same day, the police ensured public order and security at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. But you seem uninterested in such examples. For some reason, you decided to focus exclusively on the Hovhannavank example," the minister added.

Sargsyan also addressed controversy surrounding the $125,000 vehicle purchased for the Ministry of Internal Affairs. "The car is not being purchased for Arpine Sargsyan; it is being purchased for the person holding the position of Minister of Internal Affairs," she stated. The minister explained that the procurement followed legal procedures and that she had no involvement in determining the price or specifications. "If a vehicle that meets the standards is within the stated price range, then it should be purchased within that price range. If a vehicle in a different price range meets the standards, then naturally, that would be the logical decision," she added. In response, Anna Grigoryan, an MP from the Armenia bloc, accused Sargsyan of manipulation, arguing that the car was indeed purchased for her. Sargsyan replied, "Perhaps tomorrow I won’t be the Minister of Internal Affairs, and this machine will serve him".

Speaking later with journalists in parliament, Sargsyan dismissed reports suggesting her imminent resignation and replacement by former Investigative Committee head Argishti Kyaramyan. "I don’t want to comment on these topics, as false information is constantly being spread about the ministry," she said. When asked whether the Prime Minister was satisfied with her work, Sargsyan responded that it was not her place to make such assessments but noted that the ministry had achieved significant results during the first nine months of 2025 while also identifying issues requiring further solutions. Addressing rumors that Prime Minister Pashinyan’s alleged dissatisfaction was linked to the events in Merdzavan, Sargsyan firmly stated, "There is nothing of the sort. I don’t comment on absurd reports".

Commenting on the recent murder of Volodya Grigoryan, head of the Parakar community, and Karen Abrahamyan, a criminal police officer, Sargsyan clarified that the incident was connected to a murder committed in February. "This is clearly documented," the minister assured, rejecting any political motives for the crime. "These rumors are unsubstantiated. We have concrete evidence within the criminal proceedings that confirms the motive for the crime. Yes, this is indeed a continuation of the February crime," she emphasized, adding that investigations were ongoing and that the main perpetrator had been identified and confessed.

Responding to accusations that police officers in Gyumri had beaten citizens during the arrest of Mayor Vardan Ghukasyan, Sargsyan denied the claims. She stated that internal investigations had been conducted by the Internal Security and Anti-Corruption Departments, revealing no unlawful use of force. "Not a single instance of beating was discovered. No specific illegal situations were identified," she assured. The minister underlined that the police had moved past the stage when the lawful use of physical force was mistaken for battery, explaining, "A police officer has the legal right to use physical force. Certain shortcomings and violations may occur at this time. However, we have already passed the stage when the use of physical force was considered battery". Sargsyan also criticized opposition MPs for comparing law enforcement officers to a "wolf pack," urging restraint and respect for the police. "If police officers commit any misconduct, they are dismissed from their jobs and subject to criminal prosecution, including as defendants," she emphasized.