Gazprom considering participation in Iranian-Armenian pipeline project

RosBusinessConsulting, Russia
Feb 7 2005

RBC, 07.02.2005, Moscow 16:25:44.Gazprom is likely to take part
in the construction of Iranian-Armenian gas pipeline. Gazprom’s
Chairman Alexander Ryazanov pointed out that should the Russian gas
holding abstain from participating in the gas pipeline construction,
this gas could enter into competition with that supplied by Gazprom
via the Blue Stream pipeline.

The Armenian government acts as the principal customer to the
construction. The principal agreement was signed in Yerevan on May
13, 2004, indicating that the gas pipeline would become operational
before January 1, 2007. Armenia will receive the annual volume of
1.1bn cubic meters of gas via the pipeline from Iran. Armrosgazprom,
owned jointly by the Armenian government (45 percent), Gazprom (45
percent) and Itera (10 percent), is expected to take part in bidding
for its construction and running.