17TH SITTING OF INTERPARLIAMENTARY COMMISSION ON COOPERATION BETWEEN NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF ARMENIA AND FEDERAL ASSEMBLY OF RUSSIA HELD IN YEREVAN
Noyan Tapan
Nov 10, 2009
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 10, NOYAN TAPAN. The 17th sitting of the
Interparliamentary Commission on Cooperation between the National
Assembly of Armenia and the Federal Assembly of Russia was held
in Yerevan on November 9. As the press service of the RA National
Assembly reported, the bilateral cooperation in the transport sector
and cargo transportation, also the prospects of connecting to the
Iranian and Turkish railways, increasing cargo traffic volumes and
making them more efficient were discussed at the sitting.
The Chairperson of the NA Standing Committee on Economic Affairs
Hermine Naghdalian underlined the role and importance of cargo
transportation, especially by rail, for the Armenian economy under
blockade. She spoke about the danger of the red tape related to
cargo transportation, the negative consequences of the system’s
monopolization, and the free and unfounded price policy. She expressed
a hope that persistent joint work may put these issues in order.
The opinion of the Russian side regarding the same problem was
presented by Director General of South Caucasus Railways company
Shevket Shaydullin who said that their major aim is to ensure
continuous efficiency and financial stability of the sector, improve
the quality of transportation services, develop transport sector of
Armenia and integrate it into the Eurasian transportation system. He
informed those present about the repairs and technical modernization
carried out and the company’s future plans.
It was mentioned that the work has slowed down due to the financial
and economic crisis, as a result of which cargo traffic has declined,
and the company is operating at a loss. According to S. Shaydullin,
the concession agreement allows conducting a flexible price policy,
except on cargo transportation of strategic importance, which makes
up 60% of the overall cargo traffic.
The next sitting of the Interparliamentary Commission will be held
in Moscow in March 2010.