YEREVAN. – Armenian PM Tigran Sargsyan responded to opposition MP Nikol Pashinyan’s accusations of having offshore companies.

In response to MP’s remarks, PM said it is not difficult to register an offshore company in the name of Nikol Pashinyan without having his permission.

During the Wednesday debate in parliament, Armenian PM noted that the concept of struggle against money laundering was introduced with his direct participation and he is aware of the mechanisms of similar crimes.

“A company was set up in my name with the aim to “recover” my expenses. One cannot imagine a more absurd scheme. I did not register a company in an offshore zone, and no one was authorized to do so,” he said, explaining that he was on a visit to Prague on the day of alleged registration (6 May 2010).

The story is made up in an attempt to discredit him, Sargsyan said, noting it is not the first case.

“When heading the Central Bank, I was accused of bank bankruptcy. Then, I was accused of owning a mansion on the shores of the Mediterranean. Later they said I am the owner of Nairit plant,” he added.

Hetq.am website has recently published an article telling about an offshore company set up by PM Tigran Sargsyan, Archbishop Navasard Kchoyan and others. Premier Sargsyan has already filed a petition to the prosecutor’s office.