Iranian ambassador comments on situation surrounding PAP leader

ArmInfo.  The Iranian side regrets that the implementation of the Armenian-Iranian trade center project was not successful. Iranian Ambassador to Armenia Khalil  Shirgolami stated this at a press conference in Yerevan on July 8,  when asked if he had any details regarding the criminal case in which  businessman Gagik Tsarukyan, leader of the Prosperous Armenia Party,  was detained in Armenia.

"This is one of our regrets. We regret that the implementation of the  Armenian-Iranian trade center project was not successful. This  project was based on goodwill and an interesting idea, as well as the  desire to create an Armenian-Iranian trade center, in which Iranian  citizens, as well as Gagik Tsarukyan, were involved," the diplomat  noted. Shirgolami explained that since the opening of the center, the  Iranian Embassy has consistently participated in resolving issues  arising within the framework of this project, the goal of which was  to boost bilateral trade and ensure a greater presence of Iranian  goods in the Armenian market.

"Unfortunately, some economic disagreements arose between the parties  within this project, as well as in other business circles. Since this  was fraught with certain costs, we attempted to smooth things over,  and I personally attempted to mediate the dispute between the  parties. After it became clear that the developments were fraught  with problems, we attempted to mediate and bring the parties to a  consensus. I remained in contact with both parties until the very end  to help develop a mutually acceptable solution.  Today, since we are  dealing with a legal process and the case is already in court, we  hope that a resolution will be possible based on documents and  evidence," Shirgolami emphasized. According to the diplomat, given  the high level of Armenian-Iranian relations, Iran would not at all  like any dark sides to remain in this context.

Regarding the current situation in Armenia and Tsarukyan's detention,  the Iranian ambassador stated that he did not wish to interfere in  Armenia's domestic politics.

He recalled that parliamentary elections had been held in Armenia,  the results of which had been published, and official Tehran  congratulated the country's ruling party on its victory. "We hope  that the special relationship between the two countries will continue  to develop," Shirgolami said, adding that Iran can tell from its own  experience that internal divisions cannot lead to anything good.

"Iran wholeheartedly desires to see a strong, united, and  consolidated Armenia," the diplomat concluded.

As a reminder, on July 6, Gagik Tsarukyan, leader of the Prosperous  Armenia Party and businessman, was detained and taken to the  Investigative Committee of Armenia. He is accused of organizing fraud  and money laundering on an especially large scale. According to  investigators, between 2022 and 2024, a group operating under his  leadership, under the pretext of developing trade and economic ties  between Armenia and Iran, created joint legal entities with the  participation of Iranian citizens, after which they carried out a  fraudulent scheme, causing damages totaling over $21 million.  Furthermore, Gagik Tsarukyan faces another charge of illegal hunting.  On July 7, the court granted the prosecution's motion to remand  Tsarukyan in custody for two months.