The Iranian ambassador has responded to the case of Gagik Tsarukyan: he has been a "mediator" trying to resolve the issue.
08-07-2026 14:45 Armenia Press of Diaspora
Azatutyun. The Iranian ambassador in Armenia today responded to the case of the detained leader of the Prosperous Armenia Party, Gagik Tsarukyan, which, according to the Investigative Committee, also involves Iranian citizens:
According to the Investigative Committee, Gagik Tsarukyan organized and led a criminal group that, under the pretext of establishing logistical ties between Iran and Armenia, embezzled 52 units of transport, equipment, and goods from Iranian companies through deception and document forgery, causing approximately 22 million dollars in damages.
At a press conference held today, Ambassador Khalil Shirgholami was asked what he knows about this case, as Tsarukyan's lawyers claim that the abuses were committed by Iranian citizens.
"We do not interfere in Armenia's internal political issues and have no desire to intervene," said the ambassador, then referring to the case itself, he informed that he has even acted as a mediator between the parties.
"As for your main question, it is very unfortunate for us that the project of the Armenia-Iran trade center did not succeed as we had hoped. We wanted to establish a joint trade center, in which Mr. Gagik Tsarukyan and Iranian citizens were involved. This would have been a great opportunity to present Iranian goods and products in the Armenian market. However, we regret to note that the parties had certain economic disagreements both within this project and other business programs," the ambassador stated:
The ambassador refers to the Iranian trade center that opened in the area of the Arinj Mall back in September 2024. It featured products from the largest Iranian producers in the fields of oil, gas, petrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals, as well as companies engaged in household appliances, construction materials, and paper production. However, the ceremoniously opened center failed.
"I have personally had numerous discussions with both sides, wishing to act as a mediator to try to reach an agreement through compromises. Until recently, I was in contact with the parties and was trying to find a solution that would be acceptable to both sides," said the Iranian ambassador to Armenia:
The ambassador noted that since there is currently a legal process, they hope that "based on the existing evidence and testimonies, it will be possible to resolve this issue."
The ambassador stated, "We would not want the unsuccessful business experience between the citizens of the two countries to be presented in public opinion as if the citizens of Iran and Armenia could not work together and now have disagreements."
The Iranian ambassador emphasized that Iran does not interfere in Armenia's internal political affairs, but nonetheless, based on Iranian domestic experience, he stressed that "when a certain division is created within a country under the influence of any event, it can never lead to good results."
"We hope and wish all forces in Armenia—both the ruling party, the government, and the opposition—to be united around national interests and goals. Because if this unity does not exist, then further paths of development will not be possible. Iran wants to see a strong, united, and cohesive Armenia," said Iranian Ambassador Khalil Shirgholami during the press conference.
The ambassador stated that they sent a congratulatory message to the ruling party regarding the parliamentary elections held in Armenia. The Iranian diplomat expressed hope that during this period, the special relations existing between the two countries will further develop.
* This text was automatically translated by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
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