"Zhoghovurd" daily writes:
"The pre-election battle is heating up, and not only parties and figures, but also famous business brands are already the target of political attacks. This time, one of the most famous Armenian companies, "Jermuk Group", has come into the spotlight. During the meeting in Dilijan, the representatives of the "Hayastan" bloc, as part of the campaign led by the second president Robert Kocharyan, referred to the owner of "Jermuk Group" Ashot Arsenyan in their speeches, hinting that they are gathering votes for the authorities in Jermuk.
"You are collecting votes for Nikol in Jermuk. What should he do? Bring the enemy to your house, he has already brought Jermuk's handouts." The "Zhoghovurd" daily newspaper sent a written request to the owner of "Jermuk Group" Ashot Arsenyan, asking him to comment on these statements. However, the latter's answer was not only harsh, but also full of overt political connotations. Arsenyan stated that the "younger Kocharyans" are once again trying to divert attention from the real problems, blackening and discrediting everything that has built a reputation for Armenia over the years. According to him, Kocharyan's teammates "instead of facts reminding them of the misdeeds and crimes they committed" went to personal and value attacks, even reaching the point of fighting against national brands. "They are in such a state of anxiety and self-loss that they are ready to throw mud on national values for minute political gain," Arsenyan said. The latter particularly emphasized that "Jermuk Group" is not just a business, but an Armenian authority formed over the years, with international recognition and an "impeccable reputation". According to him, the company not only created thousands of jobs, but also contributed to the country's development with many humanitarian programs and economic investments. Arsenyan noted that the opposition circles targeted national brands for political dividends, and the statements against "Jermuk Group" are not an ideological struggle, but a manifestation of political panic. Details in today's issue of "Zhoghovurd" daily.
