RUSSIA MAKES EVERY EFFORT FOR NORMAL FUNCTIONING OF ARMENIAN ENTERPRISES CONVEYED TO IT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia makes every effort for normal functioning of the Armenian enterprises, conveyed to it within the framework of the Property in Exchange for Debt agreement, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated at a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Andranik Margarian. Lavrov assured that "the Russian party is doing its best for the necessary investments into the Armenian enterprises conveyed to Russia," including Mars factory and the scientific research institutes and for securing their normal functioning. He also emphasized the importance of timely provision of nuclear fuel for securing uninterrupted functioning of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant and works for modernization of the atomic station. At the same time the parties noted that there are some problems in the bilateral commercial and economic relations, which are being discussed within the framework of the Armenian-Russian Inter-Governmental Commission for Economic Cooperation and the Armenian-Russian Business Association. Speaking of the transport cooperation Andranik Margarian noted, "Armenia pays much attention to the opening of rail and ferry road Caucasus (Russia) - Poti (Georgia), which will allow to considerably increase the cargo transportation volume between Armenia and Russia." Margarian also said he was satisfied with the completion of the process of Armenia joining the North-South transport corridor agreement. At the same time he state that Armenia is concerned over the issue of possible launching of Kazvin-Resht-Astara new line, which will link Russia with Iran through Azerbaijan when there is a real infrastructure in Armenia, allowing to connect all countries of the region. On his part speaking of regional transport problems Lavrov noted that "Russia in that field takes into account Armenia's interests to the most degree possible and it will not take steps, which can harm it." Margarian emphasized that at present "Russia is the largest trade and economic partner of Armenia." During the meeting the parties also exchanged view on the prospect of opening the Abkhazian lost of the Transcaucasian railway and discussed other issues of mutual interest.