THERE ARE PEOPLE IN ARMENIA, “FOR WHOM ‘RUSSIA’ WORD IS LIKE RED COLOR FOR A BULL”

Regnum, Russia
April 11 2006

“Deal in selling to Russia 5th energy unit of Hrazdan TPS is
favorable for Armenia,” stated Secretary of Armenian Presidential
Security Council, Defense Minister Serzh Sarkisyan being interviewed
by journalists.

“It is a very favorable deal. It is strange, everybody, who wishes,
speaks about it, without any knowledge about the 5th unit. The 5th
unit is, figuratively speaking, like a three-storied building, which
basement is built, and there is nothing else. The expenditures would
be compensated in about 10 years at best. It means we might have a
profitable enterprise only in 2017 at best. What kind of profit will
it be, by how many percents gas tariffs will have raised till the
time? Only prophet might foretell it,” stressed the minister.

“What is needed by us today, both people and the state: to sell
the unfinished object for $250 millions, or to wait till we will be
able to earn some kopeks in 2017? And then, do ones think at all,
who speaks so much, what consequences did threaten us, if gas were
supplied to Armenia for price, which had been planned? Policy and
economy must not be mixed, otherwise, there is neither policy nor
economy,” stated Sarkisyan, commenting on critical feelings of some
forces in connection with the deal.

Also, Serge Sarkisyan stated, there are some individuals and groups in
Armenian society, “on which nerves ‘Russia’ word gets, as red color
on bull’s ones.” “We have no right to create problems for ourselves,
and then, heroically to overcome them,” stated the Armenian defense
minister.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress