Margaryan: Russian Gas Price Not to Increase till 1 April 2006

PanARMENIAN.Net - The price of the Russian gas, being exported to Armenia, will not increase until April1, 2006. According to a preliminary arrangement, since 1 April 2006 the gas price will make $110 for 1 thousand cubic meters. Armenian PM Andranik Margaryan stated it today. The figure is not a final one, as the issue will be discussed at a meeting of Armenian and Russian Presidents Robert Kocharian and Vladimir Putin in late January, he remarked. «The Government is trying to find funds to if not fully compensate then at least partially mitigate the situation. I am sure we will find means not to raise the electric power prices. And the gas tariffs will depend on the price defined by the parties,» Mr. Margaryan stated. The PM denied the opportunity for Armenia to take a credit from Russia, forming basis for a new Property for Debt. «We will not take a credit from Russia. They want to provide a commercial credit to Ukraine. We do not want that. If necessary, we can get a credit on preferential terms from western countries or international organizations,» Margaryan said. The PM did not want to speak of the growth of anti-Russian moods in Armenia or change of policy towards the strategic partner owing to the expected increase of gas tariffs. «I do not want to politicize that problem. Final positions and explanations will be given after an agreement is made,» Margaryan said, reported RFE/RL.