SERIOUS ECONOMIC CALCUALTIONS ARE NECESSARY FOR LAUNCHING CONSTRUCTION OF IRAN-ARMENIA PIPELINE

PanARMENIAN.Net - 17.11.2000, MEDIAMAX, YEREVAN. "The process of implementation of the project on Iran-Armenia pipeline has already started, however, serious economic calculations are needed for starting a full scale activity," the Spokesman of the Armenian Foreign Ministry Ara Papian said in his interview to "Iravunk" daily.

According to the Armenian diplomat the price of the Iranian gas sizably prevails the price for the Russian gas as a result of which there may be a number of problems with sale. Papian stressed that Ukraine has stated about its interest towards the Iran-Armenia gas pipeline. "But if the price of the Iranian gas is twice more than the price for Russian gas, it is natural the Ukraine will not buy it," the Armenian diplomat said. He also announced that Georgia's accord on laying the pipeline via its territory to Europe is also very important.

Ara Papian said that about $120 million are needed for implementation of the project. "Since Iran does not invest these sources, and Armenia has no such sum, the only source of financing are still the international financial organizations," the Spokesman of the Armenian Foreign Ministry said.

According to the Spokesman, Yerevan insists on delivery of the Iranian gas to Armenia the whole year round, while Tehran stands for seasonal delivery and this issue also needs to be clarified. -0--