Thursday, August 6 2026 17:15
Aline Grigoryan

Samvel Karapetyan calls  trade reduction with Russia  a "success" of  Armenian authorities

Samvel Karapetyan calls  trade reduction with Russia  a "success" of  Armenian authorities

ArmInfo.The reduction of trade turnover between Russia and Armenia by two-thirds  compared to last year is a "success" of this incompetent government, as stated by businessman Samvel Karapetyan, leader of the "Strong Armenia" bloc, to journalists on August 6 before a regular meeting, in response to a  statement by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk.

Earlier, the Russian Deputy Prime Minister pointed out that trade  turnover between Russia and Armenia had decreased by two-thirds  compared to last year, dropping to $8 billion. "As far as I remember,  in 2024 this figure was $11 billion. I consider this a 'success' of  this incompetent government. Because their goal is to make our  villagers poorer," Karapetyan stated.

The politician also commented on the Armenian Prime Minister's  statement regarding the intention to transfer the "Electric Networks  of Armenia" (ENA) CJSC into trust management. Regarding this, he  noted that the authorities must first manage to expropriate them  before handing them over to someone else.

"For this, there are courts—both Armenian and international. At the  moment, we are fighting against their illegal actions. In the  European Court, we are moving forward step by step on this issue.  Also, we have a decision from the Arbitration Court that prohibits  them from taking any actions regarding this asset," the bloc leader  stated.

He described the authorities' attempts to restrict their ability to  engage in charity as forced measures. "He [the Prime Minister] is  forced to take such steps because, even having the entire state  resource at his disposal, he cannot accomplish anything. Because of  this, he has to restrict the activities of other people who, within  their capabilities, are trying to do at least something good for our  villagers," Karapetyan concluded.