RUSSIA SHOWS INTEREST IN CONSTRUCTION OF NEW NPP IN ARMENIA

ARKA
Dec 8, 2008

MOSCOW, December 8. /ARKA/. Russia shows interest in construction of
a new nuclear power plant (NPP) in Armenia, Armenian Premier Tigran
Sargsyan said.

"We are permanently holding consultations on the issue with our Russian
partners," the Premier told journalists in the Armenian Embassy in
the Russian federation.

The issue was discussed at the last meeting with Russian Premier
Putin on December 5, he said. At the meeting the sides pointed out
their satisfaction with the negotiations, Sargsyan said.

Armenian Premier also pointed out that Russian partners are expected
to participate in the construction project.

Armenian Premier left for Moscow on a day official visit Friday.

The Armenian Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) situated near Metsamor town
was commissioned in 1976 (the second unit – in 1980).Currently only
the second unit of the plant with output of 407.5 megawatt is operated.

In September 2003, the financial flows of Armenian NPP were placed in
trust management of INTER RAO EES Closed Joint Stock Company owned by
"Rosatom" Russian State Corporation. According to experts, Armenian
NPP can be operated till 2016.