The Fund Cannot Allocate Money for Military Needs as It Addresses Humanitarian Issues: Ashot Barskyan

It has already been reported that information circulating on the internet and in the press suggests that during the war, when the Armenian diaspora was transferring funds to the 'Hayastan All-Armenian Fund', these funds were allegedly spent inappropriately. In other words, the funds collected were supposedly lent to the government for expenses related to the war.

In an interview with Auroranews, Ashot Barskyan, the marketing and public relations officer of the 'Hayastan All-Armenian Fund', responded to our question about whether there had been discussions about lending money to the state during the war, saying: 'There was a discussion that could theoretically be realized based on a decision from the board of trustees.'

When asked for clarification about whether money had been lent to the state during or after the war, he gave a negative response. 'The fund is awaiting a report, which will be presented during the budget execution period. At that time we will all see it, and the board of trustees will study and understand how to act,' said Barskyan.

Barskyan noted that if it becomes clear that the allocated funds were spent in a manner contrary to the foundation’s regulations, then the board of trustees would make an appropriate decision, for example, it could be counted as a debt that the state must return.

The same reports circulating on the internet refer to an interview with Serzh Sargsyan from the previous day, where Sargsyan mentions that purchases were made not by the Ministry of Defense, but directly by the government, and at significantly inflated prices, referring specifically to body armor. These body armors were bought in large quantities and often at much higher prices.

'In addition to the inflated purchases of body armor, there is another story about $11 million worth of goods supposedly being organized, which have been cashed out and to this day, neither the goods have been supplied, nor is that money present,' it is stated in the publication.

In our conversation, a representative of the 'Hayastan All-Armenian Fund' mentioned that the fund cannot allocate money for military needs, as it addresses humanitarian issues. For instance, if a soldier lacks a bandage or medicine, the fund can allocate money, but if they lack body armor or need to distribute bonuses, in that case, the fund cannot allocate money.

In response to the claim that the funds allocated to the foundation were spent inappropriately, Ashot Barskyan urged everyone to wait for the report.