Defense Ministry: Pork supplier has no connection with any official

On his Facebook page, the Defense Ministry spokesman Artsrun Hovhannisian responded to the criticism that human rights activist Arthur Sakunts voiced during “Urvagits” television program.

“I would like to respond to the claims made during “Urvagits” program on May 22,, 2013, to the effect that an organization connected with the military prosecutor has won the tender for supply of pork to Armenia’s Defense Ministry. A number of media outlets have already applied to us in connection with this issue. Tenders regularly give rise to such speculation. The 2013 tender for supply of pork to the Defense Ministry was held in line with the law on procurement. Procurement Support Center state nonprofit organization asked 274 licensed organizations to participate in the tender. 9 organizations responded by submitting their price bids. Elite Capital LLC, which submitted the lowest price bid, has been announced the winner by the appraisal commission. According to our information, the indicated company has no connection with any official.

As for Arthur Sakunts’ claims that his opinion is related to the actions indicated in Chapter 29 (crimes against state service) of the Criminal Code, we urge him to apply to law enforcement agencies if he has information about such facts”.