Pashinyan: Russian Concession Hinders Armenia’s Rail Integration into International Routes
World
Armenia is seeking a compromise with Russia over the management of its national railway infrastructure. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said the current Russian concession model is preventing Armenia’s railway network from being integrated into international transport routes.
According to Pashinyan, Yerevan does not want to terminate the agreement with Russia or take confrontational measures. He identified a possible sale of the concession rights by Russia as one option. Moscow could retain a minority stake, or responsibility for infrastructure and transportation operations could be divided.
The Armenian prime minister also said that major potential users of the railway route are considering alternative routes because the infrastructure is managed under the Russian concession.
Since 2008, Armenia’s railway network has been operated under a concession by South Caucasus Railway, a subsidiary of Russian Railways. The two sides have been discussing possible changes to the management model for several months. In April, Pashinyan said the potential transfer of management rights had also been discussed with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
At the same time, Pashinyan reaffirmed Armenia’s policy of diversifying its economic ties. He said the country needs alternatives in trade and economic relations to avoid excessive dependence on a single partner.
On the choice between the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union, the prime minister said Armenia currently needs relations with both blocs. He also left open the possibility that Armenia could ultimately join neither of them.
The Armenian prime minister also said that major potential users of the railway route are considering alternative routes because the infrastructure is managed under the Russian concession.
Since 2008, Armenia’s railway network has been operated under a concession by South Caucasus Railway, a subsidiary of Russian Railways. The two sides have been discussing possible changes to the management model for several months. In April, Pashinyan said the potential transfer of management rights had also been discussed with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
At the same time, Pashinyan reaffirmed Armenia’s policy of diversifying its economic ties. He said the country needs alternatives in trade and economic relations to avoid excessive dependence on a single partner.
On the choice between the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union, the prime minister said Armenia currently needs relations with both blocs. He also left open the possibility that Armenia could ultimately join neither of them.
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