If He Doesn't Reveal Names, Then Something's Fishy: Aghazaryan

In light of the events that took place in the National Assembly yesterday and the noise surrounding MP Hovik Aghazaryan, Tert.am engaged in a conversation with the parliamentarian about these issues.

- Mr. Aghazaryan, has a campaign been launched against you in the CP?

- There is no such thing, nor has there been any effort against me within the CP.

- You say there is no campaign against you in the CP, but what about the entire incident yesterday? There is also a case involving your name in the Anti-Corruption Committee?

- The Anti-Corruption Committee summoned me four months ago; what does that have to do with yesterday's meeting? If the Anti-Corruption Committee summons any MP for questioning about a certain episode, does that mean the CP has started a campaign against that person? No. There are processes in which we all must equally participate, especially if our name is mentioned. The investigation will clarify the status of each individual.

- Don't you think that if a team comes together, reaches the National Assembly, and starts accusing each other publicly, there is something wrong?

- Naturally, there is something wrong. There is a criminal case related to my son concerning car import. I've instructed my son not to compromise; let the Investigation Committee finish the case and send it to court, which has not happened for two years.

- Yesterday, from the parliamentary podium, you stated that Argyshiti Kyaramyan is handing the case over to Levon Kocharian. Why do you think so?

- Yes, why hasn't he done it? I’m concerned he might be thinking of an imminent regime change and would hand over such a lucrative deal to the opposition. Do I not have the right to think this? Why hasn’t he brought this case to a logical conclusion and sent it to court for two years? There are questions, aren't there?

- He mentioned that at least two people have called regarding this case. If that's the case, then those two must certainly be individuals not below my status. I can't ask someone below my status to contact Kyaramyan, either I must have reached out, or someone above my status should have. So, if an official above me wishes to influence the investigation, isn’t that a problem? Let them reveal the names of those who are doing such things in this country.

- After that meeting yesterday and the mutual accusations and insults, was there a meeting with the Prime Minister?

- No, there has been no such thing, no response, nor any discussion.

- Mr. Aghazaryan, who did Kyaramyan refer to when he addressed you as the MP in black clothes, and then you made a remark that set everything off?

- To be honest, I didn’t fully understand who he meant. It was very important that he emphasized 'the MP in black clothes.' An official at that level ought not to speak in such a manner in Parliament. Whether it was Arpi Davoyan's assistant or some other MP is a different matter, but such behavior is unbecoming for an official.

- Is it regrettable for him that I made that remark, and that's why he reacted so strongly? This gives cause for thought.

- There is an opinion that Kyaramyan behaved this way because he is constantly being pressured not to proceed with various cases.

- Are others putting the pressure completely on me?

- But he said that requests were made regarding your son as well. If there are no requests, why would he say something like that, even though you deny it?

- Again, I say, let him reveal names. I have made a strong statement that if he doesn’t reveal names, then something is fishy. Fine, or he should call me and say, 'This individual said so.' Why doesn’t he do it? He hasn’t done either, so what am I supposed to think?

- Could the public accusations imply that there are schisms within the CP?

- There are no schisms. I don’t remember any country where everyone can freely express their opinions. I highly value this, and despite the incident with Mr. Kyaramyan yesterday, I see it as a historical moment led by Mr. Andranik Kocharian.

- Should we expect Kyaramyan’s dismissal?

- Wait for it.

- Is there a process underway in the CP concerning his dismissal?

- No, there is no such thing.

- Are you also at risk of having your immunity revoked?

- There is no need for them to revoke it; whenever I am summoned, I go.

- To charge you, it is necessary, Mr. Aghazaryan.

- When they bring charges, then I will step down; if I have committed an offense requiring such legislative action, I am ready.

- Have you committed an offense?

- No.