  Armenia, Iran's joint infrastructure plans may prove test of President Obama's policyJanuary 26, 2009 - 16:53 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Plans for joint infrastructure projects between Armenia and Iran may prove a key first test of President Barack Obama's policy intentions toward Tehran and Armenia's own economic muscle amidst the global economic crisis. Analysts note that international reactions to the projects could prove a blessing. On the drawing board are a railroad between Iran and Armenia, an oil pipeline from Iran's Tabriz refinery to a special terminal to be built in Armenia's Ararat province, and a hydropower station on the Araks river, which borders the two countries. Bringing Armenian-Iranian trade relations into sync with World Trade Organization requirements is also under consideration. The Armenian government expects work on the railroad to begin by late 2009. Potential financial and political difficulties, however, mean that opinions vary about the projects' feasibility. China was invited to take part in construction of the Iran-Armenia railroad during a December 2008 visit by an Armenian parliamentary delegation to China. Beijing is reportedly considering the proposal, Iran Daily reports.   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 |  Related sections Latest news U.S. warns Georgia not to side with Moscow against the west  Georgia has been warned by the U.S. not to become an adversary of the west by falling back in line with Moscow.Power of One Dram sums up two-year program with Teach for Armenia Idram Junior also joined the companies during the visit, bringing with it a fascinating intellectual game for childrenMoscow slams EU mission in Armenia for “provocative activity” The EU mission is doing more and more against Armenia’s neighbors Russia, Azerbaijan and Iran, Mikhail Galuzin said.Yerevan Mayor to travel to Paris on May 15-19 The official delegation headed by Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan will travel to Paris from May 15 to 19. |
