make preferableIran regrets that the implementation of the Armenian-Iranian trade center project was not crowned with success. The Iranian ambassador to Armenia, Khalil Shirgholami, stated this during a press conference Wednesday—and in response to a question from Armenian News-NEWS.am.
“This project was based on goodwill and the desire to create an Armenian-Iranian trade center, in the work of which Iranian citizens, as well as Gagik Tsarukyan, were also involved,” the Iranian diplomat noted.
Shirgholami said that after the opening of the aforementioned center, the Iranian embassy in Armenia has consistently participated in resolving emerging issues, and the goal was to stimulate bilateral trade and ensure a wider presence of Iranian goods in the Armenian market.
The Iranian envoy to Armenia noted with regret that some economic disagreements arose between the parties within the framework of this project.
“After it became clear that the development of events was fraught with problems, we tried to take on the role of a mediator and bring the parties to a consensus. I was in contact with both sides until the end to help develop a mutually acceptable solution. Today, since we are dealing with a legal process, we hope that it will be possible to resolve the issue based on documents and evidence,” Shirgholami said.
The Iranian diplomat explained that, given the high level of relations between the two countries, Iran would not want any dark side to remain in this context.
“Parliamentary elections were held in Armenia [on June 7], the results of which have been publicized, and we [i.e. Iran] have sent congratulations to the ruling party in Armenia on our behalf. We hope that the special relations between the two countries will continue to develop,” Shirgholami added.
The Iranian ambassador to Armenia emphasized that from Iran’s experience, it can be said that division within the country cannot lead to positive results.
“We [i.e. Iran] want all [political] forces in Armenia, both the authorities and the opposition, to be united around national ideas. Without unity, further development is impossible. I say this clearly, based on the experience of Iran. Iran wholeheartedly wants to see a strong, united, consolidated Armenia,” the Iranian diplomat noted.
The Investigative Committee of Armenia has issued a statement, according to which opposition Prosperous Armenia Party chairman—and business tycoon—Gagik Tsarukyan allegedly committed large-scale fraud and money laundering, from 2022 to 2024.
Later, Tsarukyan’s lawyers announced that this accusation is related to the activities of the Armenian-Iranian trade center, calling it absurd.
And the court on Tuesday ruled that Gagik Tsarukyan be taken into custody for two months.
