April 26, 2003 - 20:30 AMT
RUSSIAN STATE DUMA TO RATIFY "PROPERTY FOR DEBT" ARMENIAN-RUSSIAN AGREEMENT IN MID-MAY
Armenian prime minister Andranik Margarian met with his Russian counterpart Mikhail Kasyanov in Moscow. As reported by "Oreanda" Russian agency, the parties discussed issues of economic cooperation between the two countries, specifically, "property for debt" agreement, according to which a number of Armenian enterprises will be passed to the Russian party in order to repay the Armenian state debt. Kasyanov informed all committees of the State Duma had already given positive conclusions on the agreement and it would consequently be ratified after the May holidays. The premiers discussed some problems between the countries in air transportation. Kasyanov assured these would be settled in the near future. The parties also discussed cooperation in the energy sphere, including nuclear fuel supply for recharging the Armenian Atomic Power Plant. The Russian government head noted the process is under control and proceeds in compliance with the schedule. Let us note that A. Margarian was in Moscow to participate in a sitting of the Council of the prime ministers of the Organization of the Treaty on Collective Security participant countries.