Meghri Mayor Warns: Regional Businesses Face Issues Due to Obstacles Set by Tax Authorities

Tax authorities are conducting checks on properties owned by Meghri Mayor Mikitar Zakaryan's family and relatives. In an interview with Aysor.am, Zakaryan stated that all of this constitutes political persecution, but financial interests cannot be compared to the homeland.

“There was a check at the gas station in Agarak, and it turned out that not only is the refueling being done accurately, but moreover, 0.3 percent (10 percent of profit) is being charged in favor of the consumer. This has always been the case because the refueling device is sealed. The station manager refuses to sign the act, insisting that whatever they documented should be acknowledged, while they disagree, saying that they want to record that the refueling meets the criteria,” Zakaryan informed.

He added that besides the gas station, the tax authorities are trying to create additional obstacles. “Next to the customs post operates the company 'Agarak Terminal,' which belongs to my wife. It handles customs documentation and logistics services. On April 21, on the verbal orders of the tax office in Shushi (deputy chairman of the State Revenue Committee Shushan Nersisyan), they unjustly closed it down. For three days, we have been applying to be provided with the decision on what basis it was closed since we want to appeal in court. They have not provided the decision,” said Mikitar Zakaryan.

According to him, there are currently 60 trucks piled up at the customs post. “In the Meghri and Kajaran regions, where the Agarak Copper-Molybdenum Combine is located, ZPMK, Meghri’s road service, and Meghri’s businesses find themselves in a major dilemma. The cargo meant for Meghri and Kajaran, due to the closure of this terminal, must be carried 80 km away to the Kapan terminal, undergo customs clearance, then return. People do not want to drive; the cargo has been brought from Iran, and transport fees have already been paid for reaching Meghri. If the drivers now block that route, they will be told that you are damaging Armenian-Iranian relations. They are creating problems not just for the company but for the entire regional business. Due to the whims of 'Nikol of Shushi,' drivers are currently in a bad situation. This has already become a habit for 'Nikol of Shushi,' who even displayed his whims during the war, causing 17 trucks meant for the Ministry of Defense to be sent back to Iran on October 9. The Iranian customs facilitated, while the Armenian side returned the cargo,” Zakaryan noted.

“Of course, all this will not deter us. The homeland is at stake, while on the other hand, there is the financial gain. These are not even comparable. Our operations are completely within the law,” said the mayor. Besides the companies belonging to Zakaryan's relatives, the tax authorities have created problems for 'AG Impex,' owned by Gevorg Khachatryan, who was released from court yesterday. “He is the 69th taxpayer in Armenia. A special regime has also been established for that company, and just two days ago, they completely spoiled the cargo she had planned through Bagratashen. Their passionate vengeance is so intense that they don’t take anything into account. To harm me, they are willing to create problems for the entire region’s business,” added Zakaryan.