YEREVAN. – Zhoghovurd newspaper of Armenia writes: It is clear from the SIS [Special Investigation Service] indictment filed against Serzh Sargsyan that the criminal case is related also to Sargsyan's close friend [and businessman] Barsegh Beglaryan and former Minister of Agriculture Sergo Karapetyan. According to rumors, former Minister of Agriculture Sergo Karapetyan has been given a condition to either testify against S. Sargsyan, or else he would be arrested; and Karapetyan testified [against Sargsyan].

According to the SIS, there was an illegal scheme in the distribution of diesel fuel being supplied to the farms. The company offering a low price was turned down pleasing Flash company—belonging to Barsegh Beglaryan—offering a high price.

In an exclusive interview with Zhoghovurd daily, B. Beglaryan said: “I do not know what this is about, but in my deep conviction, Serzh Sargsyan cannot be guilty in such issues. I hear such a thing for the first time. Yes, Flash company belongs to me, but I don't know about Serzh Sargsyan having a connection. We are very close with Serzh Sargsyan and we have never hidden it, but I have nothing to do with his actions; I'm not aware.”