Who are the tenants and developers that owe 270 million dram to Sevan National Park?

The tenants and developers who have undertaken lease and construction obligations on the lands of the 'Sevan National Park' State Non-Commercial Organization (SNCO) are approximately 270 million dram in debt to the park, as noted in a written response to the inquiry from the Ministry of Environment. The SNCO has also initiated legal proceedings regarding the termination of contracts with several tenants and the obligation to pay rent.

According to the 'Sevan National Park', there are currently 32 cases in court regarding the collection of this amount and unilaterally terminating contracts, with a total claim of 43.8 million dram. Additionally, lawsuits related to another 15 tenants will be prepared in the near future. Over the last year, 22 court decisions have been enacted amounting to more than 36 million dram. 263 tenants do not have rental agreements, yet they have contractual obligations, while 486 tenants are fulfilling their contractual responsibilities.

During this period, 9 tenants have been declared bankrupt, with the 'Sevan National Park' acting as a creditor in bankruptcy cases for 27.3 million dram. Moreover, due to the death of 12 tenants, a debt of 14.2 million dram has accumulated. In the future, the administration of the reserve plans to unilaterally terminate contracts with another 61 tenants and is preparing offers. These tenants have debts totaling 22 million dram.

In the last two years, the areas leased for construction and rental from the 'Sevan National Park' have decreased. The dynamics over the last five years are as follows: in 2015 - 2167.37 hectares, 2016 - 2164.33 hectares, 2017 - 2164.33 hectares, 2018 - 2172.81 hectares, 2019 - 2162.41 hectares, and 2020 - 2143.94 hectares. The Ministry of Environment informed 'Lurer' that from August of last year until December 31, 7 contracts covering an area of 13.40 hectares have been terminated. Over the last six years, the total rental income of 'Sevan National Park' has reached 984 million dram.

The 'Datalex' information platform contains information on several legal processes related to the leases and construction contracts within the territory of 'Sevan National Park'. The territory of the White Shorja beach on Lake Sevan was leased and granted construction rights to architect Ruben Chakhmakhchyan, residing in Moscow. In June 2020, the park's management filed a lawsuit in the general jurisdiction court of Gegharkunik province to collect rental fees from Chakhmakhchyan, but the case was not accepted due to issues within the claim, and no other lawsuit was filed later. Essentially, Chakhmakhchyan settled his debts to the park.

Last year, 'Sevan National Park' also filed a lawsuit against Jorzh Khachatryan to recover rental fees and terminate the contract with him. According to the lawsuit, the park demanded around 400,000 dram from Khachatryan and withdrew the claim after receiving the payment. Jorzh Khachatryan is the son of former Minister of Finance and advisor to former President Serzh Sargsyan, Vardan Khachatryan, and has also served as the head of the staff for the State Committee of Tourism.

In 2005, the 'Sevan National Park' granted a rental agreement for 25 years for 13,000 square meters to Hayk Avagyan, a former candidate of the Republican Party of Armenia in Yerevan's council, at an annual rental fee of 156,000 dram. Last year, the park's management demanded 1.6 million dram from him for accrued rental fees, but the court did not satisfy the claim by 'Sevan National Park' citing the expiration of the statute of limitations for the claim. Avagyan is currently the director of the Arabkir Complex of Youth Sports School. From 2008 to 2014, Avagyan was a co-owner of the 'Paloma' hotel operating in Yerevan and also owns 50% of 'Ani-Marakl' LLC.

In 2007, 'Sevan National Park' leased 5,500 square meters to 'Armen-Ake' company under a rental agreement. This company also failed to fulfill its rental obligations, and in July 2020, 100,000 dram was recovered from the company in favor of the park. This company is linked to the Senior Prosecutor of the General Prosecutor's Office, Armen Nikoghosyan, specifically, 19% of its shares are owned by the prosecutor's wife, Elia Sndoyan, while another 5% belongs to a friend of the prosecutor, Armine Nikoghosyan.

In July 2020, Ara Khloyan was appointed as the director of 'Sevan National Park'. He is a relative of former Gegharkunik governor Karen Botoyan and the nephew of former Vardenis mayor Volodiya Khloyan. Ara Khloyan holds a 30% share in 'Ara' LLC, while his father, Firdous Khloyan, owns another 40%. 'Hetq' reported in 2015 that this company provided contract work services to the Gegharkunik governor's office for 14 million dram.

Recently, there has been increased activity surrounding 'Sevan National Park'. On February 9, Minister of Environment Romanos Petrosyan held a consultation there and emphasized the importance of dismantling illegal structures. On February 19, the Prosecutor General's Office announced the initiation of criminal cases related to the park. According to the prosecutor's office, officials of 'Sevan National Park' did not fulfill their obligations, resulting in 110 buildings constructed in violation of legislation. The investigation is being conducted by the Investigative Committee.