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

PanArmenian News
Feb 17 2005

17.02.2005 18:22

/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.