President: Georgian leadership understands importance of gas transit to Armenia
27.01.2011,
19:20
Georgian authorities understand the importance of gas-conveying pipes to Armenia, Armenian Prefsident Serzh Sargsyan said in an interview with Ekho Moskvi radio station, answering a question about Georgia’s intention to sell a part of the Georgia-owned No
YEREVAN, January 27. /ARKA/. Georgian authorities understand the importance of gas-conveying pipes to Armenia, Armenian Prefsident Serzh Sargsyan said in an interview with Ekho Moskvi radio station, answering a question about Georgia’s intention to sell a part of the Georgia-owned North-South pipeline, through which Armenia receives natural gas from Russia.
According to media reports, Georgia’s authorities intend to permit sale of the trunk gas pipeline.
Yet in summer, Georgian Parliament removed the pipeline from the list of strategic facilities.
Azerbaijan is reckoned among the most likely purchasers.
“Georgian officials are constantly assuring us that Georgia has no intention to sell the pipeline and other infrastructures,” Sargsyan said in his interview.
Even if this happens, Georgia will remain bound by clearly-worded international commitments, which confirm Armenia’s right for paid transit.
“This is not a good deed by Georgians to let gas through their territory,” the Armenian president said. “We pay 10% for it. For example, if we buy 1,000 cubic meters of gas at $180, we pay $18 for transit. This is a very high price.”
Otherwise, Armenia can act on other rules, but if so, it will become necessary “to seal another contract, under which fee will be far lower than $18”.
“However, I would not like such things,” Sargsyan said. “I think Georgia’s leadership understands how important this issue is to Armenia.”
The head of state stressed that Georgia is a key link in Armenia’s communication with other countries – 70% of Armenia’s trade turnover go through Georgia’s territory.
He said Armenia is always trying to have a political dialogue to create favorable environment for Georgians in Armenia and Armenians in Georgia.
According to some media outlets, Russian Gazprom made two attempts to acquire Georgia’s section of the gas pipeline for $250 million three years ago, but the parties disagreed on price.
Now Azerbaijan came up with a similar offer backing its ambitions with $500 million.
Georgia itself doesn’t receive gas this way – it only uses the pipeline for transit. -0-
According to media reports, Georgia’s authorities intend to permit sale of the trunk gas pipeline.
Yet in summer, Georgian Parliament removed the pipeline from the list of strategic facilities.
Azerbaijan is reckoned among the most likely purchasers.
“Georgian officials are constantly assuring us that Georgia has no intention to sell the pipeline and other infrastructures,” Sargsyan said in his interview.
Even if this happens, Georgia will remain bound by clearly-worded international commitments, which confirm Armenia’s right for paid transit.
“This is not a good deed by Georgians to let gas through their territory,” the Armenian president said. “We pay 10% for it. For example, if we buy 1,000 cubic meters of gas at $180, we pay $18 for transit. This is a very high price.”
Otherwise, Armenia can act on other rules, but if so, it will become necessary “to seal another contract, under which fee will be far lower than $18”.
“However, I would not like such things,” Sargsyan said. “I think Georgia’s leadership understands how important this issue is to Armenia.”
The head of state stressed that Georgia is a key link in Armenia’s communication with other countries – 70% of Armenia’s trade turnover go through Georgia’s territory.
He said Armenia is always trying to have a political dialogue to create favorable environment for Georgians in Armenia and Armenians in Georgia.
According to some media outlets, Russian Gazprom made two attempts to acquire Georgia’s section of the gas pipeline for $250 million three years ago, but the parties disagreed on price.
Now Azerbaijan came up with a similar offer backing its ambitions with $500 million.
Georgia itself doesn’t receive gas this way – it only uses the pipeline for transit. -0-
