EU Interested in Closing Armenian Nuclear Plant

PanARMENIAN.Net - The EU is interested in the closing of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), which does not meet international security standards, Austrian Foreign Ministry State Secretary Hans Winkler stated at a news conference in Yerevan. In his words, the NPP is technically worn out, however, discussion of the need of building a new NPP is not in the EU competence.



"The EU recognizes that the issues in question are the sovereign right of any country. However, we are ready to energy and energy security cooperation with Armenia. On the other hand the EU respects the right of each country to choose the type of energy, which meets bets its capacities and interests," Hans Winkler said.



The Austrian State Secretary refused from commenting the agreement between Armenia and Russia on passing the 5th energy block of Hrazdan Thermal Power Plant to Russia's ownership. "The EU does not interfere with decisions made at the national level," he remarked.



As of Iran-Armenia gas pipeline, Armenian FM Vartan Oskanian, he does not know «whether Iran-Armenia gas pipeline will be given to Russia or not.» I suppose the talks are held on who will build the gas pipeline and who will fund the construction works. As I do not participate in the talks myself, I do not know the details,» the Armenian FM said.