Armenia`s SME Association urges authorities to ensure transparency  and legality in inspections of businesses linked to Tsarukyan

ArmInfo. The Management Council of the Small and Medium- Sized Entrepreneurs (SME) Cooperation Association of Armenia has issued a statement expressing concern over the actions of law enforcement agencies against the business of Gagik Tsarukyan, leader of the Prosperous Armenia Party.  The statement was released on behalf of Hakob Avagyan, Chairman of the SME Cooperation Association's Management Council. 

 "As representatives of the Management Council of the SME Cooperation  Association—an organization that unites SMEs and represents the  interests of small and medium-sized entrepreneurs—we find it  necessary to express our concern regarding the events unfolding in   recent days. Specifically, we are concerned by the law enforcement  and oversight measures taking place in our country, which are being  conducted in parallel with the criminal proceedings initiated against  the leader of the Prosperous Armenia party. These actions are  accompanied by restrictions on the operations of several affiliated  organizations, inspections, and, in some instances, the sealing of  premises or the implementation of other administrative measures," the  statement reads.

The Association noted that the timing of these processes, which  coincides with the criminal proceedings against Gagik Tsarukyan,  raises suspicions.  "Regardless of the legal grounds and the  necessity of these processes, we consider it critically important  that all actions taken by state bodies be carried out in compliance  with the principles of the rule of law, political neutrality,  proportionality, legal certainty, and the continuity of economic  activity," the authors stated.

The statement further asserts that any intervention that could   negatively impact the normal operations of enterprises, the  employees' right to work, supply chain interactions, or the  investment climate requires maximum caution and a balanced approach.

The Association  emphasized that it has never had or continues to  have affiliations to any political force or its leadership, and that  its activities are carried out solely to protect the interests of  small and medium-sized enterprises, improve the business environment  in our country, and strengthen the principles of the rule of law.

The authors also noted that an independent business advocacy  institution (a Business Ombudsman) has still not been established in  Armenia, and the current Human Rights Defender has limited their  response to a statement regarding the legality of the use of physical  force and special equipment during the aforementioned arrest.

Consequently, the Association deemed it necessary to publicly  advocate for the business community.  "We once again call upon the  representatives of the state bodies involved in these processes to  ensure that every action is not only legal but also transparent,  well-founded, and capable of fostering public trust, including the  trust of the business community," the statement concludes.

The Association expressed hope that this appeal will contribute to a  constructive dialogue between the public and private sectors and  serve as a reinforcing signal in favor of upholding the principles of  the rule of law, fair competition, investment protection, and  sustainable economic development.