Arsen Avetisyan, the director of Air Armenia Company, who has been severely beaten up recently, says he is ready to shake the hand stretched forth as a sign of reconciliation.
Avetisyan explained his decision with the interests of the airline and the recent statement by the holders of the company's 49% shares - East Prospect Fund - urging the conflicting parties to show reason and restraint.
"We have assumed the responsibility for the investment policy of the company, for its debts and liabilities, including to the 250 employees of Air Armenia and its partners. Meanwhile, the latest developments may endanger the investment projects and reforms at the company. In this light, we urge the parties and the authorities of the country to find lawful ways out of the situation," the shareholders said in the statement.
Arsen Avetisyan thanked the Armenian people for moral support as well as the Mass Media, authorities and Police for operative response to the situation.
Earlier ArmInfo reported with a reference to Avetisyan's wife Isabella Melkumyan, saying Arsen Avetisyan, Air Armenia Director General, was confined at the Football Federation of Armenia. She said that Garnik Papikyan, the owner of Taron Avia Company, which Air Armenia owes to, appealed to FFA Head Ruben Hayrapetyan for support. Avetisyan was forecefully taken to the FFA where he was severely beaten up by Ruben Hayrapetyan's bodyguards. Avetisyan was hospitalized with fractures and cerebral concussion. Avetisyan has been released from hospital quote lately after staying there for 5 days.
A few days ago, Air Armenia Company sold 49% of its shares and looked to use the proceeds to re-launch the passenger fights in the main destinations.
Ruben Hayrapetyan is said to have an interest in Taron Avia engaged in freight activity and seeking a license for passenger transportation. It is not the first case when Hayrapetyan, an oligarch and the head of FFA, settles his problems with unlawful methods by means of his personal guard.
The public still remembers the incident when Hayrapetyan's bodyguards beat to death a major of the medical service of Armenia's Armed Forces at one of the tycoon's restaurants. No organization decision making followed that tragic incident. One can only hope that this time the law-enforcement will respond adequately to the beating and kidnapping of the company head. It appears that this time Hayrapetyan has also managed to come off clear.