PanArmenian News Network
July 29 2005
525-TH NEWSPAPER: EXPORT OF IRANIAN GAS VIA ARMENIA – STEP AGAINST
ANKARA AND BAKU
29.07.2005 03:23
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ The memorandum on cooperation signed the other day
between Iran and Ukraine triggered unequal reaction. Officials in
Turkey and Armenia claimed the document on the construction on a gas
pipeline from Iran to Ukraine bears not economic but political
character, 525-th newspaper reports. The memorandum provides for the
formation of joint commission for investigating financial and other
issues referring to the construction. The Turkish and Armenian
parties showed particular interest in the route. It was supposed that
specialists from Iran, Ukraine, Georgian and Russian specialists will
serve on the joint commission. However Armenia also received
invitation to joint the commission. This fact proves that the gas
pipeline is likely to lie through Armenia. To note, both Tehran and
Kyiv considered the route to be most convenient. At the same time
they did not rule out construction via the Turkish territory. However
presently the possibility is questioned, since the invitation was
sent to Armenia but not to Turkey. Moreover, members of the Iranian
Energy Ministry stated that any accusations advanced by Turkey are
groundless, since the latter has not showed proper `transparency’ and
purposed mostly political aims. That is why Iran decided to export
gas via Armenia-Georgia-Ukraine-Eastern Europe route. Turkish press
rates the decision as political noting that the export of Iranian gas
through Armenia is a step targeted against Turkey and Azerbaijan.
While Turkey keeps imposing blockade on Armenia and urges Armenia to
abandon claims for Karabakh Iran is strengthening relations with
Armenia. This is caused by some conflict of interest of Iran on one
hand and Turkey and Azerbaijan on the other hand. Thus, the building
of the gas pipeline via Armenia can be viewed as support to this
country and equaling of economic and power balance in the region and
is a counter-response to the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline. In the
opinion of experts, this step by Iran can spoil its relations with
Turkey and Azerbaijan, the newspaper writes.