The US Senate on Thursday passed a bill allowing the administration to enforce the Magnitsky Act
against any country’s official responsible corruption and human rights violations.
The measure raises concerns that the
“black list”,
which formerly included only Russian citizens (predominantly government officials),
may now apply also to Armenia.
Both former and current government members may be easily blacklisted.
The former government members were comprehensively engaged in money laundering and were found
to have spent money ineffectively. As for the current administration, any failure to combat corruption may serve as grounds
for enforcing sanctions. ”
The sanctions in the Magnitsky Act require banning not only the said group of individuals’ entry
to the United States but also blocking their access to the US financial systems and banks.
Back in 2010, Armenian businessmen-MP Samvel Aleksanyan
(ruling Republican Party) was reported to be having difficulty in obtaining a visa for the
United States.
After repeated rejections by the US Embassy, he eventually turned to the Heritage party
(of which Safaryan is a member) for help.
“He had great hopes and expectations, which certainly got crushed,”
the politician said.
( Gagrule )
