WEST WILL EXERT PRESSURE ON ARMENIA IF THE GAS PIPELINE IS SOLD
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[03:15 pm] 19 March, 2007
"Iran-Armenia gas pipeline provides Armenia with alternative source of
gas supply. But the gas pipeline must be made transitional. Azerbaijan
and Turkey do their utmost to prevent Armenia’s integration into
other regional programs", says Stepan Grigoryan, director of the
Center for Globalization and Regional Cooperation
"The Iran-Armenia gas pipeline is the only outcome, but unfortunately,
the RA acting authorities are too passive on this score. The
developments show that our region is retiring from Russia; the policy
of Georgia and Azerbaijan as well as the rough stance of Russia testify
to this fact. Thus, we must think of ourselves without spoiling the
country’s relations with Russia".
"In case the pipeline doesn’t become transitional we shall be left
out of the monopoly that Russia has in our region and in Armenia".
Reminder, 80% of the Armenian energy powers are in the hands of
Russia. "ArmRusgasArd" didn’t conceal its intention to acquire the
Armenian section of the Iran-Armenia gas pipeline.
"It is impermissible to give the Armenian section to Russia. This
is not accounted for the fact that Russia possesses most Armenia’s
energy powers. We know quite well that Russia takes this or that object
which latter stops working. All the objects taken under the program
"Property in Return of Debt" testify to this".
Such actions put the energetic security of Armenia into peril. Besides,
they arouse indignation among the Western counties.
The rough stance of the USA towards Armenia is also determined by
this very fact. In this view let’s consider the row over the Armenian
mineral water and the report of the U.S. State Department in which
Karabakh was introduced as an "occupied territory" by Armenia.
Mr. Grigoryan assumes that first of all it is the fault of the RA
authorities. In his words, Armenia must display more active policy
towards Iran.
"We cannot justify and protect Iran for its steps and initiatives
which arouse anger and passion world-wide.
Nevertheless, we can persuade the USA and the West that our energetic
agreements with Iran are obligatory and we have no other alternative".
We must explain to the universal community that in case the relations
with Iran deteriorate, the region will appear in jeopardy", Stepan
Grigoryan claims. He is convinced that the powerful countries will
exert more pressure on Armenia in case we display passive attitude.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
