Ghazinyan on Taking HETC from Samvel Karapetyan

If the state recognizes the right of pre-emption and takes ownership of HETC, it must pay the owner an additional 15% based on the value determined by an independent international assessor.

This was stated today by David Ghazinyan, the former acting director of HETC, during a press briefing near the Anti-Corruption Court.

On November 17, Mesrop Mesropyan, the chairman of the Public Services Regulatory Commission, noted that in the coming three months, the state will begin negotiations with the owner of HETC or the board of directors of the company regarding the transfer of ownership rights. If the parties do not reach an agreement during these three months, the state may subsequently take the ownership rights under the right of pre-emption.

According to Ghazinyan, this means that the state will pay several hundred million dollars for the company’s debts, at the expense of taxpayers, while also paying a few hundred dollars to the owner.

“This individual knows very well the approximate value and is aware that the state will not be able to acquire it. I think their cards got mixed up because Samvel Karapetyan did not go for the deal. After that, they took a different path,” said Ghazinyan.

“There will be no such thing. Something taken from a billionaire will not be taken by another organization,” Ghazinyan added.