It’s Another Absurdity and Insult: National Assembly President

My claim about "vacationing under the guise of a working visit across the ocean" is yet another absurdity and insult. This was noted by the President of the National Assembly of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan, in a Facebook post addressing media publications about his recent trips abroad.

Below we present the full statement of the NA President:

“For quite some time, I have been trying in every way not to respond to any subjective ‘analyses’ about me, to the slanderous informational rubbish and lies. However, sometimes additional clarification is indeed necessary. So, here it goes:

1. A newspaper claims that during my stay in Boston from July 19-21, I had only one meeting with the Armenian community, a visit to the ‘Homeland’ center, and the monument dedicated to the Armenian Genocide.
   I want to inform you that apart from what was mentioned, during those days in Boston, together with Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinyan, we had several meetings and work discussions with more than 20 Armenian businessmen and representatives of various Armenian organizations. This photo was taken during one of those meetings, and it is sourced from Deputy Prime Minister’s post on July 21. In the picture are economist Taron Acemoglu and businessman Noubar Afeyan.
2. The same source mentions that I was in New York on July 25-26 and casts doubt on my meetings there.
   I would like to clarify: not meetings, but a meeting. I went to New York on July 25, and that day I had one very important working dinner with an Armenian figure regarding the agenda of Armenia and the Armenian world. We preferred not to disclose the details for now. The next day, I returned to Armenia. Moreover, to save budget funds, the NA staff accompanying the delegation (in the areas of protocol, external relations, and public relations) returned to Armenia from Boston and did not accompany me to New York. Only my assistant was with me.
3. Regarding an important matter: July 22-24.
   Yes, during this time I did not undertake any work activities. And I could not have—during those days I was on vacation. Naturally, no per diem, representation, or any other expenses have been paid from the state budget for those days (I hope you consider vacation pay as normal). Even the travel expenses from Boston to New York were not at the expense of the budget. Therefore, the claim that I was 'vacationing under the guise of a working visit across the ocean' is yet another absurdity and insult.

P.S. To certain circles: shake the stone off your skirts, step out of this fruitless and evil fever, and help build a better state and society. Both you and your children will benefit from it as well.”