
ArmInfo. No serious company will acquire Electric Networks of Armenia (ENA), owned by Russian businessman Samvel Karapetyan, whose sale has been halted by the International Arbitration Court. Narek Karapetyan, CEO of Tashir Capital and coordinator of the "In Our Way" movement, told reporters in the courtyard of the Anti-Corruption Court, where a petition to extend the arrest of businessman Samvel Karapetyan is currently being considered.
He expressed confidence that no serious company will enter a country where the right to arbitration is violated, mentioned that European officials prefer to work with stable partners. He added that for a country to develop, owners must be confident that their investments are protected. "If they're laying asphalt near your house on credit, it's not a guarantee of a bright future. What we really need are jobs. The ENA in its current form could be purchased by either a shell company or for the purpose of leveraging influence. And in return, Armenian citizens expect millions in liabilities, the burden of which will fall on their shoulders. Why turn a profitable company into a loss-making one?" Karapetyan asked, calling on the Armenian authorities to adhere to international law.
At the same time, he emphasized that Samvel Karapetyan is prepared to bear the costs for his beliefs. "Our leader is prepared to remain under arrest for his beliefs," Narek Karapetyan stated.
When asked if Romanos Petrosyan, the interim manager appointed by the Public Services Regulatory Commission (PSRC) for the ENA, will continue to receive his salary from Samvel Karapetyan, Karapetyan stated that no decision has been made yet, but it seems likely. The businessman's nephew also noted that opponents of the "In Our Way" movement claim they don't see this force as a threat. "If that's true, then why are they using every means possible to keep Samvel Karapetyan in custody for as long as possible? It is because they fear his public contacts could lead to a loss of trust among the rest of the population, which is being exposed to fake news," Karapetyan emphasized, adding that Armenia needs a new force. He said the "In Our Way" movement is ready to become a pioneer of change.