ARMENIA’S EX-FOREIGN MINISTER DETAINED

AP Online
Published: May 08, 2007

Armenia’s former foreign minister has been detained on suspicion of
money laundering, security officials said Tuesday, in a probe that
prompted criticism from opposition lawmakers.

Police detained Alexander Azrumanian on Monday, just two days after
investigators allegedly found $55,400 in foreign cash in his apartment,
the National Security Service said.

Azrumanian and former Deputy Defense Minister Vaan Shirkhanian traveled
to Moscow last month and allegedly agreed with a Russian citizen who
is wanted in Armenia for financial fraud to transfer thousands of
dollars to Armenia, the security service said.

Azrumanian’s lawyer, Hovannes Arsenian, confirmed the detention,
but refused further comment. Shirkhanian has not been detained.

The two had worked to set up an organization to fund opposition
political activities in Armenia, and Azrumanian’s detention prompted
complaints from opposition lawmakers that the probe was politically
motivated.

Azrumanian served as foreign minister from 1996 to 1998, while
Shirkhanian was deputy defense minister from 1994 through 1999.