Iran says gas export to Georgia via Armenia still on agendaJanuary 8, 2018 - 11:20 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The contract for exporting Iranian gas to Georgia has not been ruled out yet and once the agreements are finalized, the Islamic Republic's private sector can deliver gas to Georgia through Armenian soil, IRNA reports citing a senior oil official. Hamidreza Araqi, the deputy petroleum minister on gas affairs, said on Friday, January 5 that Iran's geographical situation enables the country to export gas to many countries, including Georgia. Gas exports to Georgia require fulfillment of different conditions, including the consent of Armenia, the official said, adding that proper infrastructure and a reasonable price are also among other factors needed for this goal. If Iran, Armenia and Georgia reach an agreement, the private sector has to buy gas from Iran and pay the swap cost to Iran and Armenia so that the gas can be exported to Georgia, Araqi said. He said that the export of Iranian gas to Georgia through Armenia is still on the agenda and if it is economical for the private sector, Iran's gas exports to Georgia will become very probable. During his visit to Armenia last year, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani cited the possibility of transferring gas to Europe through Georgia and Black Sea, urging the need for further cooperation between the two countries for meeting energy needs of the region. 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 | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Azerbaijan must respect human rights, Scholz tells Aliyev German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called for greater respect for human rights in Azerbaijan. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. |