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THE FOUNDATION OF ARMENIAN-IRANIAN HYDROELECTRIC POWER STATION TO BE LAID IN THE COMING DAYS
Hayots Ashkharh (in Armenian)
Oct 26 2012
Armenia
by Vasak Tarposhyan'
[translated from Armenian]
It is obvious that economic ties between Armenia and Iran have been
developing slowly over the past years. Deadlines for the launch of
various projects are often changed.
Had all statements made previously come true, the construction of
Iran-Armenia oil pipeline would have begun at least two years ago
[in 2010]. However, this project has not started and it is unknown
when it will start.
The situation is similar around other joint initiatives. The project
of construction of a third Iran-Armenia energy line is proceeding
slowly. The project is to provide an opportunity to increase
collaboration between the energy systems of the two countries.
It is no accident that the trade turnover between Iran and Armenia
reduced this year [2012]. Whereas the trade turnover was 210m dollars
in the first eight months of 2011, it was 206m dollars in the same
period in 2010. The volume of exports from Armenia particularly
decreased and this decrease [in exports] was sharp - 22 per cent.
The construction of the Meghri hydroelectric power station has not
started despite a statement made previously.
However, both Iran and Armenia hope that work will become more active
in the future, particularly as neither side is content with the pace
of the work. Iranian Energy Minister Majid Namju, who co-chairs the
Armenian-Iranian intergovernmental commission, said this at the end
of the 11th session of the commission in [Armenian capital] Yerevan
on 25 September.
"Of course, we have recorded progress in jointly implemented projects,
but I should note that there are obstacles, which have slowed down
the course of those projects. Despite all the achievements, the
results are not satisfactory for us, and everything should be done
to overcome obstacles and move forwards," [Namju said].
Essentially, problems in the implementation of the Meghri hydroelectric
power plant project have already been resolved. These issues were
first and foremost connected with funding the project. The amount
necessary for the construction of the hydroelectric power plant
was replenished. However, the minister did not name the amount of
the replenishment. It was only said that the Iranian government has
adopted a respective decision in this regard. Small obstacles remain,
which, in Namju's opinion, will be resolved very quickly and the
construction of the power plant will start.
While the Iranian energy minister avoided to point to specific
deadlines, Armenian Energy and Natural Resources Minister Armen
Movsisyan said that:
"We will organise laying the foundation of the Meghri hydroelectric
power plant in 10-15 days according to the suggestion of Mr Namju
and construction will begin," Movsisyan said.
Although a wide range of issues was discussed, three issues continue
to be a priority in the opinion of the Iranian energy minister.
"The first implies exchange of energy between Armenia and Iran and the
construction of the third high-voltage electricity line. Fortunately,
problems and obstacles linked to those have been eliminated, and the
Iranian contractor company must do its best in order to build this
electricity line as soon as possible," Namju said.
The two other important projects implemented jointly by the
two countries, in the opinion of the Iranian minister, imply
the construction of the Meghri hydroelectric power plant and the
[Iran-Armenia] railway. Whereas the launch of the construction of
the hydroelectric power plant is a matter of days and uncertainties
around the construction of the railway remain to be numerous.
As it is known, the project of establishing railway communications
between Armenia and Iran has already been on the agenda for a long
time, but works aimed at its implementation have not materialised.
Even probable deadlines for the implementation of the railway project
are unknown. Although positive shifts in this regard are taking place
as well.
"The Iranian side has expressed willingness to take part in the
project. There is an arrangement to hold a discussion in Iran or
Armenia with the participation of all stakeholders," Namju said.
[Translated from Armenian]
Hayots Ashkharh (in Armenian)
Oct 26 2012
Armenia
by Vasak Tarposhyan'
[translated from Armenian]
It is obvious that economic ties between Armenia and Iran have been
developing slowly over the past years. Deadlines for the launch of
various projects are often changed.
Had all statements made previously come true, the construction of
Iran-Armenia oil pipeline would have begun at least two years ago
[in 2010]. However, this project has not started and it is unknown
when it will start.
The situation is similar around other joint initiatives. The project
of construction of a third Iran-Armenia energy line is proceeding
slowly. The project is to provide an opportunity to increase
collaboration between the energy systems of the two countries.
It is no accident that the trade turnover between Iran and Armenia
reduced this year [2012]. Whereas the trade turnover was 210m dollars
in the first eight months of 2011, it was 206m dollars in the same
period in 2010. The volume of exports from Armenia particularly
decreased and this decrease [in exports] was sharp - 22 per cent.
The construction of the Meghri hydroelectric power station has not
started despite a statement made previously.
However, both Iran and Armenia hope that work will become more active
in the future, particularly as neither side is content with the pace
of the work. Iranian Energy Minister Majid Namju, who co-chairs the
Armenian-Iranian intergovernmental commission, said this at the end
of the 11th session of the commission in [Armenian capital] Yerevan
on 25 September.
"Of course, we have recorded progress in jointly implemented projects,
but I should note that there are obstacles, which have slowed down
the course of those projects. Despite all the achievements, the
results are not satisfactory for us, and everything should be done
to overcome obstacles and move forwards," [Namju said].
Essentially, problems in the implementation of the Meghri hydroelectric
power plant project have already been resolved. These issues were
first and foremost connected with funding the project. The amount
necessary for the construction of the hydroelectric power plant
was replenished. However, the minister did not name the amount of
the replenishment. It was only said that the Iranian government has
adopted a respective decision in this regard. Small obstacles remain,
which, in Namju's opinion, will be resolved very quickly and the
construction of the power plant will start.
While the Iranian energy minister avoided to point to specific
deadlines, Armenian Energy and Natural Resources Minister Armen
Movsisyan said that:
"We will organise laying the foundation of the Meghri hydroelectric
power plant in 10-15 days according to the suggestion of Mr Namju
and construction will begin," Movsisyan said.
Although a wide range of issues was discussed, three issues continue
to be a priority in the opinion of the Iranian energy minister.
"The first implies exchange of energy between Armenia and Iran and the
construction of the third high-voltage electricity line. Fortunately,
problems and obstacles linked to those have been eliminated, and the
Iranian contractor company must do its best in order to build this
electricity line as soon as possible," Namju said.
The two other important projects implemented jointly by the
two countries, in the opinion of the Iranian minister, imply
the construction of the Meghri hydroelectric power plant and the
[Iran-Armenia] railway. Whereas the launch of the construction of
the hydroelectric power plant is a matter of days and uncertainties
around the construction of the railway remain to be numerous.
As it is known, the project of establishing railway communications
between Armenia and Iran has already been on the agenda for a long
time, but works aimed at its implementation have not materialised.
Even probable deadlines for the implementation of the railway project
are unknown. Although positive shifts in this regard are taking place
as well.
"The Iranian side has expressed willingness to take part in the
project. There is an arrangement to hold a discussion in Iran or
Armenia with the participation of all stakeholders," Namju said.
[Translated from Armenian]