IRNA, Iran
Nov 30 2004
Iran-Armenia gas pipeline project launched
Moscow, Nov 30, IRNA — An Iranian company started construction work
on a 41-km gas pipeline at Armenian border town of Megri on Tuesday
to carry Iranian gas to the republic.
Armenian Prime Minister Andranika Markaryan, Energy Minister Armen
Movsisian and other ministers, officials of Oil Ministry, Head of the
Presidential office Artashes Tumanian, Iranian Energy Minister
Habibollah Bitaraf and Ambassador to Yerevan Alireza Haqiqian were
present at the inaugural ceremony.
Iran and Armenia on May 13 signed an agreement to construct a 41-km
gas pipeline between the Armenian cities of Megri and Kajaran.
The 41-km pipeline is expected to cost 210-220 million dollars.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Markaryan said that November 30
will be recorded in the history of Iran-Armenia ties.
He said that implementation of this project would have an important
effect on the whole economy of Armenia.
Bitaraf, also speaking on the occasion, said that launching of the
project was a token of the two countries’ determination to bolster
bilateral cooperation.
The Iranian ambassador to Yerevan termed the construction of new
pipeline as a strategic measures which would lead to development of
the country and reinvigoration of the region.
The first gas consignment is to be transferred to Armenia in January
2007.