Paper: Russia Eyes Armenia’s Gas Pipes
Armenia is ready to sell 45% of its shares of the Iran-Armenia gas pipeline to Russia in exchange for cheap gas from Russia, the Russian daily Kommersant reported on January 23.
Armenian President Robert Kocharian, who arrived in Moscow on January 22, will discuss this proposal with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, according to Kommersant.
The Iran-Armenia gas pipeline is currently under construction and is expected to start operating later this year.
Russia has increased the gas price for Armenia – from USD 54 to USD 110 starting from 2006. “Moscow has set an ultimatum for its strategic partner: either gas prices will increase to USD 110, or Armenia will give Gazprom its gas infrastructure,” according to Kommersant.
“If Russia takes over this [Iran-Armenia] pipeline, [Russia] will be able to control the transit of Iranian gas to Georgia, Ukraine and Europe,” the Russian daily says.
Georgian Energy Minister Nika Gilauri has been negotiating in Iran with Iranian officials over a possible import of Iranian gas to Georgia. He is expected to return from Tehran on January 24.
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