Prime Minister Pashinyan clarifies stance on railway concession and  infrastructure projects

ArmInfo. The Armenian authorities do not intend to reconsider their position on the country's railways, as stated by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan  to  journalists on July 2, when asked about the possibility of changing  the Armenian government's approach to the railway concession  transferred to Russian Railways, amid restrictions imposed by the  Russian Federation on the supply of Armenian products to the Russian  market.

Pashinyan emphasized that Armenia does not intend to unilaterally  terminate or violate the existing concession agreement with the  Russian company "South Caucasus Railway" (a subsidiary of Russian  Railways). He clarified that while the government has been vocal  about its desire to change the management model to better serve  national interests, it remains committed to its contractual  obligations.  "On the other hand, we do not intend to abandon what we  have already stated. Processes to restore the railway on the  Gyumri-Akhurik and Yeraskha sections have already begun, and we will  carry out this work," he said.

As for other sections, the head of the Armenian government noted that  working discussions on them will continue, including with Russian  partners. He stated that Yerevan cannot watch international routes  pass through Armenia without bringing some benefit to the country.  "This cannot happen. We must not forget that the railway is our  property, and it must serve our interests; other options are  excluded." Regarding other sections, Pashinyan assured that  discussions with his Russian colleagues are ongoing. He stated that  Yerevan cannot watch international routes pass through Armenia  without bringing some benefit to the country. "This cannot happen.We  mustn't forget that the railway is our property, and it must serve  our interests," he noted, adding that other options were ruled out.

As earlier reported, Yerevan and Moscow were negotiating a change in  the management format of South Caucasus Railways (a subsidiary of  Russian Railways), which is why Armenia has begun restoring the  Yeraskh and Gyumri-Akhurik sections. The Akhalkalaki-Kars railway  opened in May, and in June, the importance of unblocking the route  through Abkhazia was once again actively discussed.