Armenia and Russia reach understanding on repairing Yeraskh and Akhurik railway sections, Minister
YEREVAN, February 13. /ARKA/. A certain understanding has been reached with the Russian side regarding the restoration of railway sections near Yeraskh and Akhurik, stated Armenian Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure David Khudatyan.
"We have an understanding with the Russian side on at least these two sections, and we can reach a concrete agreement. I think we will receive an answer in the coming days," Khudatyan said at a press briefing on Friday.
According to him, if possible, the Russian side would be the preferred party.
"If any obstacles arise, although, in my opinion, there shouldn't be any problems, the Armenian government will independently restore the railway in these sections, as this is one of the key points in the logic of reopening," the minister noted.
On February 12, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk announced that Russia and Armenia would assess the technical and financial conditions for the restoration of two railway sections for their subsequent connection with the railways of the Republic of Azerbaijan near the Armenian village of Yeraskh, as well as with the Turkish railways near the village of Akhuryan in Armenia.
Yerevan's Position
Earlier, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that Russia had generally responded positively to the request for repairs to the railway sections necessary for the implementation of the TRIPP project, but practical and strategic questions remained.
According to Pashinyan, Armenia already has an operating railway (Yeraskh-Akhurik), which only requires the restoration of the missing sections and modernization of the infrastructure.
However, because the Armenian railway is managed by Russian Railways, the country is losing its competitive advantages amidst international tensions, which is being exploited in favor of an alternative route. The Prime Minister emphasized that this concerns Armenia's long-term strategic interests, and it is necessary to find a solution within the framework of partnership to prevent their weakening.-0-
