HEAD OF MULTINATIONAL GEORGIA ORGANIZATION ARNOLD STEPANYAN: IF ARMENIA-AZERBAIJAN CONFLICT IS RESOLVED, THE PROBLEM OF METSAMOR NUCLEAR POWER PLANT WILL BE SOLVED BY ITSELF
APA
Feb 7 2012
Azerbaijan
"Armenia should be free from Russia's energy dependence"
Tbilisi. Nizami Mammadzadeh - APA. "Each atomic power plant gives
people heat and energy to improve their social lives. But from
ecological point of view each atomic power plant is a great threat,"
head of the Georgia-based Multinational Georgia organization Arnold
Stepanyan said, APA's Georgia bureau reports. Answering APA's question
"Does Metsamor nuclear power plant in Armenia pose threat to the
countries of the South Caucasus?" Stepanyan said the nuclear power
plants in all regions are potential threats.
"A nuclear power plant no matter it is in Armenia, Iran, Japan or
Turkey can be dangerous for the region. There are issues that should be
approached to not only from ecological aspect, but also from social
aspect. Under the present circumstances, this plant gives strong
energy for production in Armenia. But there are alternative ways
to get energy. I think, western investors will seek ways to produce
alternative energy in Armenia. This is favorable for the seismically
active region surrounding us and for the whole world. There is one
complicated issue. The control stock of Metsamor nuclear power plant
belongs to Russia. If alternative energy sources are created in Armenia
and these sources are equal to the power of Metsamor plant, it will
be very difficult to realize this project from political aspect.
This will mean the end of Armenia's getting energy resources from
Russia. Russia will not allow this. Alternative energy resources were
discussed during the recent visit of French President Nicolas Sarkozy
to Armenia," he said.
Arnold Stepanyan said the discussion of energy issues during Sarkozy's
visit to Armenia has deep roots.
"The discussion of energy issues in Armenia by French President did
not emerge suddenly. This is an attempt of the West to direct the
countries of the South Caucasus not to the North, but at the same
time to the West. Therefore, economic assistance should be given,
so that it becomes strong and independent. Energy resources play
important role in this issue. We know that Armenia has no power to
create alternative energy resources. I think Armenia should be free
from Russia's energy dependence. If Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict is
resolved and Armenia has an opportunity to get energy from Azerbaijan,
the problem of Metsamor nuclear power plant will be solved by itself,"
he said.
APA
Feb 7 2012
Azerbaijan
"Armenia should be free from Russia's energy dependence"
Tbilisi. Nizami Mammadzadeh - APA. "Each atomic power plant gives
people heat and energy to improve their social lives. But from
ecological point of view each atomic power plant is a great threat,"
head of the Georgia-based Multinational Georgia organization Arnold
Stepanyan said, APA's Georgia bureau reports. Answering APA's question
"Does Metsamor nuclear power plant in Armenia pose threat to the
countries of the South Caucasus?" Stepanyan said the nuclear power
plants in all regions are potential threats.
"A nuclear power plant no matter it is in Armenia, Iran, Japan or
Turkey can be dangerous for the region. There are issues that should be
approached to not only from ecological aspect, but also from social
aspect. Under the present circumstances, this plant gives strong
energy for production in Armenia. But there are alternative ways
to get energy. I think, western investors will seek ways to produce
alternative energy in Armenia. This is favorable for the seismically
active region surrounding us and for the whole world. There is one
complicated issue. The control stock of Metsamor nuclear power plant
belongs to Russia. If alternative energy sources are created in Armenia
and these sources are equal to the power of Metsamor plant, it will
be very difficult to realize this project from political aspect.
This will mean the end of Armenia's getting energy resources from
Russia. Russia will not allow this. Alternative energy resources were
discussed during the recent visit of French President Nicolas Sarkozy
to Armenia," he said.
Arnold Stepanyan said the discussion of energy issues during Sarkozy's
visit to Armenia has deep roots.
"The discussion of energy issues in Armenia by French President did
not emerge suddenly. This is an attempt of the West to direct the
countries of the South Caucasus not to the North, but at the same
time to the West. Therefore, economic assistance should be given,
so that it becomes strong and independent. Energy resources play
important role in this issue. We know that Armenia has no power to
create alternative energy resources. I think Armenia should be free
from Russia's energy dependence. If Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict is
resolved and Armenia has an opportunity to get energy from Azerbaijan,
the problem of Metsamor nuclear power plant will be solved by itself,"
he said.