Azerbaijani Prosecutor General’s Office issued a press release on October 22 saying that they had applied to the Attorney General of Switzerland to carry out the criminal prosecution against a Swiss citizen, also Director of “Franck Muller Group” Company, Vardan Srmakesh. As reported by Azernews, the Azerbaijani Prosecutor General’s Office, particularly, has mentioned that Srmakesh together with a group of people is conducting illegal economic activities in “Azerbaijani occupied territories” and promotes an “illegal regime” in these areas at the international level.
A criminal case has been opened in Azerbaijan against Vardan Srmakesh for crossing the border illegally and committing a malicious act that endanger the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is asking for help from Switzerland to bring Srmakesh to criminal proceeding.
In this regard, Aravot.am asked the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Artak Beglaryan to comment. Mr. Beglaryan said in particular that Vardan Srmakesh is carrying out economic activities in Artsakh for a long time and it was never a secret. “We have even covered his visits and the meetings with the Prime Minister by the government reports.” We also asked Artak Beglaryan whether the Azerbaijani application to the Attorney General of Switzerland may have an impact on the activities of the businessman in Artsakh. In response, the NKR prime minister’s press secretary said, “I’m sure, not. Being aware of his activities, I even think that this would be an additional incentive for his to work more consistently in Artsakh on the investment projects.”
Ashot ISRAELYAN
