Govt. approves $2-mln Iranian grant for gas supply to Armenian townsMarch 19, 2014 - 15:51 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The government of Armenia approved Iranian donation program to extend $2 million for development of gas infrastructure in border towns of Meghri and Agarak. In turn, Armenia will provide $500 thousand in abolished taxes and duties for imported equipment and pipes. The relevant memorandum of understanding was inked during the visit of Iranian President to Armenia in 2011. At the March 19 sitting, the government introduced a number of amendments to the 2014 state budget to include clauses on the joint program with Iran, governmental press service reported. Meanwhile, according to RFE/FL Armenian Service, the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Armen Movsisan stated that Yerevan's acquisition of the 2 billion cubic meters of natural gas from Tehran will be discussed at the Tehran-hosted economic cooperation session in May. “Iran may apply non-market approach in exporting natural gas to friendly countries,” Iranian ambassador Mohammad Raiesi told journalists on December 6, 2013. "Iranian gas supplies will cost Armenia much more than Russia-provided gas, with Tehran seeking to sell gas at international prices," Energy Minister said later. As Armen Movsisyan stated on December 12 in parliament, “though ready to provide necessary amounts of gas, Iran offers a price of $400 per 1000 cubic meters against Russia-offered $189, with the deal not beneficial to Armenia.” “Should Iran agree to lower the price to $100, I’m ready to start negotiations immediately,” the Armenian official said. As Russian leader Vladimir Putin during the December 2 visit to Armenia, the Russia-supplied gas will be priced at $189 per 1000 cubic meters, with Moscow to offer a number of discounts before Armenia’s accession to the Customs Union, including cancellation of a 30% export duty for oil and oil products. Related links: 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 | Kazakh Foreign Minister arrives in Armenia Kazakh Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu on Monday, March 18 arrived in Armenia for a two-day trip. Aliyev touts “good chances” for normalizing ties with Armenia Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has declared that there are “good chances” for normalizing relations with Armenia. Putin secures fifth term as Russian president Russian President Vladimir Putin has secured a fifth term in office through a dubious national plebiscite. Top Armenian, Indian defense officials discuss cooperation The discussions primarily focused on enhancing cooperation in the defence sector between Armenia and India. |