Aram Z. Sargsyan, leader of the Republic Party, has submitted a formal request to the prosecutor general demanding a comprehensive investigation into the activities of South Caucasus Railway (SCR) and the initiation of criminal proceedings. He announced this on his Facebook page.
“I have appealed to Armenia’s Prosecutor General Anna Vardapetyan, requesting an investigation into the activities of South Caucasus Railway from 2008 to 2026 and the initiation of criminal proceedings if indications of a possible criminal offense are identified.
One of the grounds for my appeal is Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s public statement in 2018 concerning alleged irregularities involving approximately $60 million at SCR. I have also requested an examination of the circumstances surrounding the dismantling of railway infrastructure and reductions in freight transportation volumes and employee numbers.
I expect potential violations to be investigated, the extent of material damage caused to the state and those responsible to be identified, and, if such damage is confirmed, measures prescribed by law to be taken to secure compensation.
Armenia’s railway is not merely a business. It is one of the most important components of our country’s economic security and transit potential. Any possible abuses in the management of state property must be uncovered, and damage caused to the state must be compensated,” the post reads.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, addressing the railway issue, has stated that, in his view, the solution would be for a third country maintaining warm relations with both Armenia and Russia to purchase the railway’s concession management rights from Russia. In addition to the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, he also named Kazakhstan as a potential buyer.
