MP Hayk Sargsyan's Friend Illegally Exploits 'White Shorja' Recreation Area

The actual operator at the White Shorja beach on Lake Sevan is Artem Melkumyan, a friend of MP Hayk Sargsyan from the ‘My Step’ faction in the National Assembly. Melkumyan is not the lessee of the area; he requested permission from the ‘Sevan’ National Park to carry out cleaning works, after which an illegally constructed metal structure appeared on the site, reports Hetq.am.

When the media outlet called the phone number listed on the beach's Facebook page, introducing itself as someone interested in the area wanting to speak with the director, a person named Artem Melkumyan established contact, presenting himself as the director and often repeating that “everything is in his name.” Melkumyan stated that he had addressed the ‘Sevan’ National Park to develop the area, which was originally marshy, and now he is running a business and paying taxes.

It is worth noting that according to the law, if the lessee subleases the area to another person or company, a sublease agreement must be signed. Although sublease agreements may not be reflected in the ‘Sevan’ National Park archive, they must exist in the cadastral documentation. According to the State Committee of the Cadastre, the only lessee of the area is Ruben Chakhmakhchyan, who has the right to develop the land, with no subleasing or unpaid use rights.

In response to questions from the media regarding who he leased the area from, how much he pays, etc., Melkumyan merely stated that he is the actual user of the area, everything is in his name, he requested permission from the ‘Sevan’ National Park, and has a usage permit. However, Melkumyan refused to provide the permit agreement for cleaning, saying to contact the national park.

“I have not rented from anyone nor have I leased it out; I requested permission, I was allowed, I cleared the shore, I developed it, what’s the problem?” he stated, adding that he is too busy to send a contract.

In response to the media's inquiry, the ‘Sevan’ National Park stated that Artem Melkumyan applied on May 23, 2020, asking for permission to carry out cleaning works in plot number 9 of the first section of the Drakhtik area of the Artanish branch. On May 27, the ‘Sevan’ National Park signed a contract with Artem Melkumyan for the execution of forest cleaning works at Lake Sevan. After the cleaning works, employees found the illegally installed metal structure in the same area, as well as wooden movable cabins nearby, for which a report was drawn up. This report has been submitted to the Ministry of Environment and the Environmental and Mining Inspection Body.

Artem Melkumyan, who is closely associated with Hayk and Nairi Sargsyan, initially denied this connection, then when the media outlet mentioned that there are numerous photos attesting to this closeness, he said that he and Hayk have been long-time friends but are not currently in contact. When reminded that just days ago, Hayk Sargsyan was at the ‘White Shorja’ recreation area, attending a party that many media outlets reported on, and even was in front of the working computer at the beach, Melkumyan replied that Hayk Sargsyan was his guest, which is why he approached the computer.

For more details, visit the original source Hetq.am.