"Detained Kaluga Oligarch Outlines Program to Supporters in Yerevan"

© "Спутник Армения" / скриншот из видео

Samvel Karapetyan, a Russian-Armenian billionaire under house arrest and closely associated with Kaluga region in Russia, addressed his supporters via video link on April 11 from Freedom Square in Yerevan. He outlined his political agenda, including promises to restore "damaged" relations with Russia and achieve a "strong peace," according to "Kaluga News."

"He assured that a new team will create a strong economy, open factories, provide 300,000 jobs, and establish favorable conditions for business and agriculture development. He also promised to build a strong diplomacy and create a professional and combat-ready army to ensure peace and security not just in words but in deeds,"

- reports "Sputnik Armenia."

Karapetyan, who leads the "Strong Armenia" bloc, has been under investigation for nearly a year and spent a prolonged period in pre-trial detention due to a conflict with current Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The bloc plans to participate in parliamentary elections scheduled for June 7. If victorious, Karapetyan himself could become prime minister.