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RUSSIA AIMS TO TIE UP ARMENIA THROUGH GAZPROM
Transitions Online, Czech Rep.
June 21 2013
Russian energy giant Gazprom wants to buy the Armenian gas distribution
company, a move analysts say is the Kremlin's way of roping Yerevan
closer to Moscow, EurasiaNet.org writes.
The Armenian government is in talks with Gazprom over selling its
20 percent share in the country's natural gas distribution company,
ArmRosGazprom, state officials announced 17 June, according to Natural
Gas Europe. Gazprom is a majority stakeholder in ArmRosGazprom and
seeks to control all of its shares.
Armenian Energy Minister Armen Movsisyan discussed cooperation
between the two countries in the natural gas industry during a visit
to Moscow this week. He met with Gazprom's chairman but said any
decision would need to be approved by the parliament, Business New
Europe writes. The government is negotiating with Gazprom over the
size of a planned rate hike for gas supplies.
Gazprom recently announced plans for a 60 percent increase in gas
export prices to Armenia. An 18 percent increase was eventually agreed,
EurasiaNet.org reports.
Observers say the move is part of Russia's attempt to extend its
influence in the region. Moscow wants Armenia to join the Eurasian
Union, a Russia-led answer to the European Union. Selling its share
in the gas company would leave Yerevan little maneuvering space when
dealing with Moscow, but it has few options. It is technically at war
with energy-rich neighbor Azerbaijan, and Iran lack the infrastructure
to deliver enough gas to Armenia anytime soon.
Brussels has warned Armenia that its membership in the Eurasian Union
would jeopardize its trade and integration aspirations toward the EU.
http://www.tol.org/client/article/23830-us-slams-russia-uzbekistan-on-trafficking-the-first-female-czech-premier.html
Transitions Online, Czech Rep.
June 21 2013
Russian energy giant Gazprom wants to buy the Armenian gas distribution
company, a move analysts say is the Kremlin's way of roping Yerevan
closer to Moscow, EurasiaNet.org writes.
The Armenian government is in talks with Gazprom over selling its
20 percent share in the country's natural gas distribution company,
ArmRosGazprom, state officials announced 17 June, according to Natural
Gas Europe. Gazprom is a majority stakeholder in ArmRosGazprom and
seeks to control all of its shares.
Armenian Energy Minister Armen Movsisyan discussed cooperation
between the two countries in the natural gas industry during a visit
to Moscow this week. He met with Gazprom's chairman but said any
decision would need to be approved by the parliament, Business New
Europe writes. The government is negotiating with Gazprom over the
size of a planned rate hike for gas supplies.
Gazprom recently announced plans for a 60 percent increase in gas
export prices to Armenia. An 18 percent increase was eventually agreed,
EurasiaNet.org reports.
Observers say the move is part of Russia's attempt to extend its
influence in the region. Moscow wants Armenia to join the Eurasian
Union, a Russia-led answer to the European Union. Selling its share
in the gas company would leave Yerevan little maneuvering space when
dealing with Moscow, but it has few options. It is technically at war
with energy-rich neighbor Azerbaijan, and Iran lack the infrastructure
to deliver enough gas to Armenia anytime soon.
Brussels has warned Armenia that its membership in the Eurasian Union
would jeopardize its trade and integration aspirations toward the EU.
http://www.tol.org/client/article/23830-us-slams-russia-uzbekistan-on-trafficking-the-first-female-czech-premier.html