Russia, Georgia, Iran benefit from Iran-Armenia gas pipeline – Armenian president

Mediamax news agency
21 May 04

Yerevan, 21 May: President Robert Kocharyan announced that “all will
benefit from the implementation of the project of the Iran-Armenia
gas pipeline, except those, who do not wish Armenia well”.

As Mediamax news agency reported, Robert Kocharyan said this on 20 May,
in an interview with Armenian Public TV.

The Armenian president recalled that the Iranian side has gas and it
[Iran] has shortages of electrical generating capacities. Robert
Kocharyan said that delivering gas to Armenia, Iran will receive
in exchange electric power, which it needs. He recalled that at the
present time there is surplus of electrical generating capacitiy. He
said that the thermal power stations are operating at 20-25 per cent
of capacity.

“As far as the Russian companies are a major part of our our energy
system, so they will also benefit. On the other hand, the volume of
delivery of Russian gas will not be cut – consumers are continuing
to use the Russian gas, as it is cheaper. Apart from this, the
capacity of the Iran-Armenia pipeline does not leave space for other
transactions. Russia, through its companies, will be secure in that
our energy system is seriously expanding. In case of an accident
with the pipelines we shall be always able to ensure a stable gas
supply to the country. This stability is profitable for Georgia too,
because in the winter months we are supplying it with electricity,”
Robert Kocharyan said.