Head of NGO urges government to buy French buses instead of Chinese
12.01.2012,
18:05
Armen Poghosyan, head of a non-governmental organization defending consumers’ interests, urged the government today to bring buses from France to take the brunt off thousands of minibuses which are still the main commuter transporting means in Yerevan creating chaos on roads.
YEREVAN, January 12. /ARKA/. Armen Poghosyan, head of a non-governmental organization defending consumers’ interests, urged the government today to bring buses from France to take the brunt off thousands of minibuses which are still the main commuter transporting means in Yerevan creating chaos on roads.
According to an agreement with China, the Armenian government is to import 249 Chinese buses by February. The Yerevan Municipality is seeking to cut the number of minibuses, and increase the number of larger buses as part of a plan to improve public transport services.
"China-manufactured buses are of low quality. French buses are much better in terms of quality and safety", Armen Poghosyan said to a news conference.
According to Poghosyan, buying French goods, including buses, is correct also from a moral point of view.
"France is the only country that protects our interests in the world, sacrificing its 13.5 billion euro trade with Turkey. If Turkey is boycotting French goods, it would be logical for us to do the opposite. This is the question of national dignity ", he said.
Poghosyan also said that his NGO intends to ask formally the government to cancel the agreement with China and sign a contract for purchase of French buses.
"Of course, French buses are more expensive, but I am sure that France will make concessions, given our good relations, and provide us with a leasing, loan or a deferred payment. In addition, France is closer to Armenia than China," he added.
The French National Assembly adopted December 22, 2011 a bill criminalizing the denial of the Armenian genocide angering Ankara. Turkish authorities have announced the suspension of military and other ties with France. -0-
According to an agreement with China, the Armenian government is to import 249 Chinese buses by February. The Yerevan Municipality is seeking to cut the number of minibuses, and increase the number of larger buses as part of a plan to improve public transport services.
"China-manufactured buses are of low quality. French buses are much better in terms of quality and safety", Armen Poghosyan said to a news conference.
According to Poghosyan, buying French goods, including buses, is correct also from a moral point of view.
"France is the only country that protects our interests in the world, sacrificing its 13.5 billion euro trade with Turkey. If Turkey is boycotting French goods, it would be logical for us to do the opposite. This is the question of national dignity ", he said.
Poghosyan also said that his NGO intends to ask formally the government to cancel the agreement with China and sign a contract for purchase of French buses.
"Of course, French buses are more expensive, but I am sure that France will make concessions, given our good relations, and provide us with a leasing, loan or a deferred payment. In addition, France is closer to Armenia than China," he added.
The French National Assembly adopted December 22, 2011 a bill criminalizing the denial of the Armenian genocide angering Ankara. Turkish authorities have announced the suspension of military and other ties with France. -0-
