Team-Veon deal should be very transparent. David Khazhakyan

There are rising tensions over the deal to buy the Beeline brand by the newly created “Team” LLC from “Veon Armenia”. A few days ago, we were informed that the Commission of TV and Radio had rejected Team’s application for a cable broadcasting license of TV and radio programs in the territory of the Republic of Armenia.

Referring to the possible acquisition, let’s quote David Khazkakyan’s remark (head of the Luys faction of the Yerevan Council of Elders), where he questions the process in general.

“Telecommunications is a strategic diction for the country; therefore the acquisition must be very transparent and it is very important to know who the new owners will be and by what means they will acquire the company. It is also important that there is a declaration of political interests, meaning which officials will have a connection to the deal,” said David Khazhakyan, noting that this process should be in the center of public interest.

Referring to the head of the “Team” company—the Yesayan brothers—he believes that the funds managed by the 6% shareholders of Ucom may not be enough to carry out the whole deal with VEON.

“Where do these funds originate from? If it is a loan, what is the guarantee and with what collateral will they receive the loan?” Khazhakyan asked again.

Speaking about the possible participation of the state in this deal, he mentioned.

“The state has the opportunity to influence this or that commission with likewise action. And the bank, being a commercial organization, having different relations with high-ranking officials of the state or the government, can provide such funds with such influence,” concluded David Khazhakyan.

The full interview with David Khazhakyan is available here.