Saving ''Bjni''?
It turns out that the government put the "Bjni" mineral water factory belonging to the Sukiasyan family up for auction in order to save "Bjni". At least this is what president of "Grand Holding", businessman Hrant Vardanyan has to say.
"Bjni" is of state and national importance. The Sukiasyan family made it important. They worked for years, but the government is currently selling that based on its pretensions and inspections. I can't say anything because I don't sell water. What's the difference if Rubik Hayrapetyan does it, or if Hrant Vardanyan buys it? The important thing is not to let "Bjni" slip out of their hands because it may fade away as a trademark. That's my stance," told "A1+" Hrant Vardanyan.
After the question on "Bjni" Hrant Vardanyan moved on the cigarettes and recalled that former head of the Taxation Service Vahram Barseghyan was trying to do the same thing to him.
"When they were inspecting, he told me that they have information according to which I bring "Phillip Morris" cigarettes with illegal stamps. I told him that I know the market very well and if they try to do anything, I will make a public announcement and humiliate them."
We recalled that "Bjni" was inspected even before Sukiasyan joined Levon Ter-Petrosyan and there were no violations.
Don't you see a political persecution here? In response to that, Vardanyan said: "What do you mean political? How do you decide that? He went there and discussed the issue. I don't have any figures, thus I can't say whether it was political or economic."
Some journalists reminded Vardanyan that Gagik Tsarukyan's mother had made a statement on Gagik Tsarukyan's tax evasion, but nobody paid attention to that.
"Don't ask me questions that I can't answer," said Mr. Vardanyan.
Do you have any guarantee that you will not be persecuted like the Sukiasyan family if you don't support the government?
"There is no such thing. I support the president. If you become president, I will help you. I don't have any problems," said Hrant Vardanyan.
