Russia readying to stop servicing Armenian RailwaysSeptember 20, 2019 - 18:35 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian fully state-owned railway company Russian Railways (RZhD) is preparing to break the agreement with the Armenian authorities, claiming that they are blocking the operation of its subsidiary, the South Caucasus Railway, which manages the Armenian railways. The information was first reported by RTVI, which cited a source familiar with the matter, and was later confirmed in the Ministry of Transport of Russia. Relations between Russian Railways and the Armenian authorities escalated due to searches and criminal cases against the South Caucasus Railway. “Armenia has created a situation in which the South Caucasus Railway cannot work normally: all documents of the past 10 years have been seized, unproven charges have been brought and no guarantees have been given," said Russia's Deputy Minister of Transport Vladimir Tokarev. In a conversation fo PanARMENIAN.Net the spokesman for the South Caucasus Railway, Ruben Grdzelyan, did not comment on the future of the company. "I can’t comment on this issue, I can only say that the South Caucasus Railway is operating normally. I cannot add more to the story," said Grdzelyan. On 13 February 2008, the Armenian government signed an agreement to transfer 100% of the state-owned Armenian Railways to Russian Railways. Under the agreement, the concession period was 30 years, with a possible extension for another 10 years by mutual agreement of the parties. Top stories 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". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. Freedom House concerned by mounting reports of police violence in Armenia Freedom House urged Armenian authorities to investigate this pattern of excessive force and inhumane treatment. |