Armenian NPP to extend term of operation by 10 yearsOctober 18, 2012 - 17:04 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The governments of Armenia and U.S. have signed a memorandum of understanding related to energy sector. Armenian side was represented by Energy Minister Armen Movsisyan; Ambassador bJohn Heffern signed the document on the U.S. side According to the envoy, the document proves the parties’ readiness to cooperate in all aspects of energy sector. “The safety of Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant being among the key issues in the memorandum, the U.S., jointly with the government of Armenia is taking every effort to provide its secure operations,” Mr. Heffern stressed. According to Mr. Movsisyan, the government resolved to prolong Metsamor NPP’s term of operation by 10 more years, considering that construction of a new energy block will take the same time. As he further noted, the program implementation is currently being discussed. “Though adhering to international community’s position of extending the NPP’s term of operation till 2016, the U.S. is ready to assist in safe operation of the NPP if a relevant resolution is reached,” Mr. Heffern said. 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 | Fly Arna license suspended, says Armenia official The license of the Armenian airline Fly Arna has been suspended for six months, an official says. President stresses Armenia’s clear position to achieve peace On the eve of the International Francophonie Day, the Armenian President met with French intellectuals. Pashinian meets border villagers on possible land transfer to Azerbaijan Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with concerned residents of two villages in Armenia’s northern Tavush province. Kazakh Foreign Minister arrives in Armenia Kazakh Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu on Monday, March 18 arrived in Armenia for a two-day trip. |