VIDEO: Mesropyan on 'Taking Over' HETC and Friendship with Mikayelyan

The term 'taking over HETC' is unacceptable to me; what does 'take over' even mean?

This was stated by the candidate for chair of the Energy Commission, Mesrop Mesropyan, during a conversation with reporters after a closed meeting with the Civil Contract faction in the National Assembly. He commented on discussions that the former head of the Energy Commission was removed because there are intentions to 'take over' HETC from its current owners.

In response to a question about how he assesses HETC's performance, he stated: 'HETC is not the enemy of this country; HETC has operated this system for years. Today, there are indicators in the field that do not satisfy any of us, and the reasons for these problems are visible. We need to trace these causes, eliminate them, and move forward. I do not have an agenda to take over or divide HETC; I am not planning anything like that.'

He also addressed the remark that his career advancement is aided by his relative, SAS President Sasun Mikayelyan. 'It absolutely has not helped. I have been working in the energy sector since I was 19 years old. My father was a professional energy worker, and my son is also in energy. Sasun Mikayelyan has always been my friend, my ally, my relative. Before reaching this position, I have held various jobs, and it has been solely based on my knowledge and work experience. There is no such patronage or favoritism in my case,' he noted.