Tweet
Southern railway communication alternative for Armenia - expert
12:50 * 01.03.15
A southern (Iran-Armenia) railway will be a communication alternative
to Armenia, political scientist Sergey Shakaryants told Tert.am as he
commented on a project Armenia's Ministry of Transport and
Communication has submitted to Armenia's government.
The project envisages a roadmap for the construction of Armenia's
southern railway.
According to him, the reasons for the delay are not political.
"We know the decision was confirmed at a very high level. Iran is a
state where the most important decisions are normally approved by the
Supreme Leader. Our project will certainly be implemented," Mr
Shakaryants said.
But even if the reasons for the delay were political ones, it would
not be in the context of Armenia-Iran relations and general regional
developments.
As regards the importance of a railway, Mr Shakaryants noted that it
may resolve the issue of Armenia's future: such railway communication
with Iran affords ample opportunities.
Among them is cargo transportation.
"We will thus ensure access to all the markets where our products
could be competitive," the expert said.
European markets are closed because only few Armenian products are
competitive to enter European markets. An agreement with Turkey is
required.
"The railway opens up ample opportunities for us because Iran's market
opens up such opportunities."
Speaking of the railway's political importance, Mr Shakaryants noted
that it will connect Armenia to South Asia.
Mr Shakaryants points out the importance of relations with Iran for
Armenia's economic and political life.
"If we have any economic ties with Iran, it will strengthen our
sovereignty, and no state will be able to impose its will on us."
As regards obstacles to Armenian-Iranian relations, Mr Shakaryants
recalled Armenia's intention to strike a deal with the US over the
Vorotan hydro-power plant. At that time, eve pro-western political
figures indicated a point in the agreement that prohibited Armenia's
energy cooperation with Iran.
http://www.tert.am/en/news/2015/03/01/shaqaryanc/1604035
12:50 * 01.03.15
A southern (Iran-Armenia) railway will be a communication alternative
to Armenia, political scientist Sergey Shakaryants told Tert.am as he
commented on a project Armenia's Ministry of Transport and
Communication has submitted to Armenia's government.
The project envisages a roadmap for the construction of Armenia's
southern railway.
According to him, the reasons for the delay are not political.
"We know the decision was confirmed at a very high level. Iran is a
state where the most important decisions are normally approved by the
Supreme Leader. Our project will certainly be implemented," Mr
Shakaryants said.
But even if the reasons for the delay were political ones, it would
not be in the context of Armenia-Iran relations and general regional
developments.
As regards the importance of a railway, Mr Shakaryants noted that it
may resolve the issue of Armenia's future: such railway communication
with Iran affords ample opportunities.
Among them is cargo transportation.
"We will thus ensure access to all the markets where our products
could be competitive," the expert said.
European markets are closed because only few Armenian products are
competitive to enter European markets. An agreement with Turkey is
required.
"The railway opens up ample opportunities for us because Iran's market
opens up such opportunities."
Speaking of the railway's political importance, Mr Shakaryants noted
that it will connect Armenia to South Asia.
Mr Shakaryants points out the importance of relations with Iran for
Armenia's economic and political life.
"If we have any economic ties with Iran, it will strengthen our
sovereignty, and no state will be able to impose its will on us."
As regards obstacles to Armenian-Iranian relations, Mr Shakaryants
recalled Armenia's intention to strike a deal with the US over the
Vorotan hydro-power plant. At that time, eve pro-western political
figures indicated a point in the agreement that prohibited Armenia's
energy cooperation with Iran.
http://www.tert.am/en/news/2015/03/01/shaqaryanc/1604035