Levitin: negotiations on construction of Armenian NPP new energy unit importantApril 19, 2011 - 13:04 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan has said that Russia is Armenia’s main economic partner. 20% growth was recorded in the trade turnover between the two countries in 2010, Sargsyan said at the opening of First Armenian-Russian Interregional Forum in Yerevan. He noted that in modern times Armenia and Russia have always supported each other in hours of need. Sargsyan also expressed gratitude for the prompt allocation of a loan by Russia during the global financial crisis. Russian Minister of Transport, Co-Chairman of the Armenian-Russian intergovernmental commission Igor Levitin noted for his part that Armenia-Russia ties have reached a new level over the past years. “We have managed to overcome consequences of the global economic crisis, increase the trade turnover between the countries,” he said. Levitin said that Armenia and Russia have implemented many joint programs in both economic and humanitarian fields, attaching importance to negotiations on construction of a new energy unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant. The Minister noted that the next sitting of the intergovernmental commission will be held in Russia in the third quarter of 2011. Top stories Yerevan has dismissed Turkey’s demand to shut down the Armenian nuclear power plant as “inappropriate”. Armenia will loan 2.9 billion drams to Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh), according to a draft government decision. The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan has “strongly condemned” Armenia’s decision. Kerobyan has said that for the first time in the history of Armenia, the volume of foreign direct investments amounted to about $1 billion. Partner news | European Parliament to discuss repression in Azerbaijan The European Parliament will discuss repression of civil society in Azerbaijan on April 24 PACE wants concessions from Azerbaijan to accept Baku back A PACE co-rapporteur said that Azerbaijani authorities must make certain concessions so that the country can return to PACE. Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. |