EU Interested in Closing Armenian Nuclear PlantApril 20, 2006 - 17:18 AMT 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. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life, Strong Mind IDBank and Idram summarize the results of the May program of “The Power of One Dram”. Yerevan State University, Ucom sign Memorandum of Cooperation Rector of Yerevan State University Hovhannes Hovhannisyan and General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian signed the memorandum. EU to provide budgetary support to Armenia The agreement is aimed at increasing the competitiveness of the educational system of Armenia. Aliyev: No peace treaty unless Armenia changes constitution Azerbaijan will not sign a peace treaty with Armenia unless the latter changes its constitution, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said. |