FORMER ARMENIAN PM: IRAN-ARMENIA GAS PIPELINE MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL

Islamic Republic News Agency, Iran
Nov 21 2006

Former Armenian prime minister Armen Darbinian said here on Tuesday
that Iran-Armenia gas pipeline is to the benefit of the two countries.

He made the remarks at the 11th international symposium on oil and
gas which is underway in Tehran.

He added that the construction of the proposed gas pipeline could not
only meet the energy needs of Armenia but could also be an opportunity
for his country to be considered a fuel transit route.

Noting the European countries interest in Iranian gas, Darbinian
criticized Russia’s Gasprom Company for creating obstacles on the
way of implementing the plan.

Noting that the hike in world gas price has been detrimental to
Armenia, Darbinian described Western countries request for the closure
of the country’s nuclear power plants as illogical.

The former Armenian prime minister also said, "It has been proved
that we can responsibly manage it."

He stressed the need for Iran-Russia-Armenia cooperation in the
energy sector.