ArmInfo. In the issue of joint Armenian-Iranian projects, it is time to move from words to deeds. Stepan Grigoryan, head of the Analytical Center for Globalization and Regional Cooperation, expressed his opinion to ArmInfo.
On August 2, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan in an interview with the Iranian media reported on the discussions at the expert level on the possibility of Iranian gas transit through Armenia to Europe. Sargsyan emphasized the readiness of Yerevan to cooperate with Iran on this issue.
The political scientist appraises such statements of the Armenian president extremely positively, considering the very fact of their voicing as evidence of certain progress in the Armenian-Iranian economic cooperation. "However, the member of the EEU Armenia continues to depend on Moscow both on the issue of gas transit and on the issue of a free trade zone with Iran, which in turn does not interest Armenia in gaining real independence through the development of the Armenian economy, and mechanisms for preventing Armenia's withdrawal from the position of the vassal of Moscow: all the gas distribution networks in Armenia belong to Gazprom, even the Armenian part of the gas pipeline from Iran, and Gazprom, moreover, has the right of monopoly opinion on any implementation with the participation of Armenia to the project," he said.
In this light, according to Grigoryan's estimates, Yerevan should somehow convince Moscow of the need to meet halfway in the implementation of the opportunities that are opening in the south today. As the above- mentioned agreements bind Armenia in relations with the southern neighbor on the hands and feet.
During the Tehran meeting, the presidents of Armenia and Iran discussed energy issues: gas and electric power, opportunities for using international transport and transit routes connecting the Persian Gulf and the Black Sea across the territory of Armenia and Iran. The importance of developing cooperation in Iran- Armenia-Turkmenistan was underscored. The interlocutors stressed the importance of negotiations between Iran and the EEU regarding the Free Trade Agreement.