Wednesday, December 14 2016 18:30
Alexandr Avanesov

Sale of part of cross-country gas pipeline to Azerbaijan may become disaster waiting to happen

Sale of part of cross-country gas pipeline to Azerbaijan may become disaster waiting to happen

ArmInfo. The statement made by the new head of Gazprom Armenia that there are no risks regarding the Georgian government's possible sale of 25% of shares of the main gas line to Azerbaijan's SOCAR is nothing more than putting on a good face, UN Expert on Energy Ara Marjanyan stated in a talk to ArmInfo's reporter.

"The first step is the hardest. It is enough to purchase 25% of shares first and later the controlling interest in the Georgian company", he said. According to the expert the gas pipeline may become property of Armenia's tactical enemy-Azerbaijan. Marjanyan recalled that this is not a new problem-yet 3-4 years ago the Georgian authorities put the issue on the agenda, however the solution of it was postponed then.  "However, there are forces in Georgia that are interested in such a development. Armenia needs to use its leverages on the Georgian authorities at the same time searching ways for mutually beneficial cooperation.  In any case if the sale takes place it will mean Georgia's indirect participation in energy blockade of Armenia", the expert thinks.

To recall, Gazprom Armenia CJSC Director General Hrant Tadevosyan in talk to ArmInfo's correspondent pointed at the fact the problem is not so much technical as a political one. "If we consider this issue in the context of civilized international norms there should be no problems. Moreover, the fact should be considered that both Armenia and Georgia, as well as other countries have a number of international obligations and have signed certain international agreements and contracts", Tadevosyan stressed.  According to independent experts this statement is puzzling as the issue of selling property cannot be a subject of international documents. And if SOCAR purchases a cross-country gas line no one can forbid it to use it in its sole discretion. And a lot of reasons can be found for suspending supply of gas to Armenia for instance- repair work of gas distribution network or "unexpected incidents". Many people have already forgotten about numerous cases of blowing up the gas pipeline in the beginning of 1990ies during the war in Karabakh. We can face a similar situation today.

The specialists of the gas sector think that from technical point of view Armenia's gas transporting system has flow capacity of smaller pressure. The system is designed for 55 atm, while Georgia's gas pipeline system works at no higher then 33-34 atm and in order to increase pressure investments should be made.  Possibly, the Georgian government seeks to sell shares with the very aim to found investor. However, it unlikely that SOCAR company will invest in the modernization of a gas pipeline, though which Armenia receives fuel from Russia. If economic factor prevails over political one, the same SOCAR company could construct a gas and petroleum pipelines to Turkey via Armenia's territory. However, no such intentions are voiced by Azerbaijan within TANAP program. On the contrary, Armenia's economic blockade and its exclusion from any cross-border projects has become the main line of Baku's economic diplomacy. That is why strategic risks in case of sale of gas pipeline will increase several-fold, considering that everything is possible, even a war. This means that there are serious reasons for concern and we live not on the Mars but in a region, which has trouble spots that can develop into cruel wars without any rules, least of all international ones.

To note, Armenia's Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan also does not see any grounds for concern related to possibility of sale of 25% of shares of the cross-country gas pipeline by the Georgian government. According to Karapetyan as of now the matter concerns to intentions only. "But even if the Georgian government adopts such a decision I do not see any risks for Armenia", the Prime Minister noted adding that 25% do not have decisive importance. However, if more shares are sold risks will grow and in this case we will hold negotiations with friendly Georgia", Karen Karapetyan stressed.

To note, earlier Georgian mass media were informing that as soon as there are favorable conditions the Georgian government will place 25% of shares of "Petroleum and Gas Corporation" and "Georgian Railway" on the stock market. Earlier Azerbaijan's State Petroleum Company (SOCAR) was stating about its intention to buy Georgian pipeline. Gas from Russia is being supplied to Armenia via this very pipeline and naturally decision to sell part of it is a reason for concerns for the Armenian side, Georgian mass media wrote.

READ ALL COMMENTS

Александр
А куда делся мой вчерашний комментарий, который уже был вами опубликован

POST A COMMENT
Input digits     


News
Armenia to sign an additional agreement with EDB on financing E-Labor  Exchange programmeArmenia to sign an additional agreement with EDB on financing E-Labor  Exchange programme
As of September 20, 2023, state treasury of Armenia received 14.5%  more taxes than during  same period in 2022As of September 20, 2023, state treasury of Armenia received 14.5%  more taxes than during  same period in 2022
Armenia, UAE to soon sign several agreements in various fields,  Kerobyan told journalists Armenia, UAE to soon sign several agreements in various fields,  Kerobyan told journalists 
Armenia, UAE sign 3 memorandums of understandingArmenia, UAE sign 3 memorandums of understanding
In Armenia`s insurance market, loss ratio for CMPTL began to grow  slowlyIn Armenia`s insurance market, loss ratio for CMPTL began to grow  slowly
Ministry of Economy of Armenia establishes working relations with  German BVMWMinistry of Economy of Armenia establishes working relations with  German BVMW
Armenia`s national debt $11.4bln Armenia`s national debt $11.4bln 
Government of Armenia approves Program for extending operational life  of Unit 2 at Metsamor NPPGovernment of Armenia approves Program for extending operational life  of Unit 2 at Metsamor NPP
Deputy Finance Minister of Armenia, WB Regional Director for South  Caucasus discuss current cooperation issuesDeputy Finance Minister of Armenia, WB Regional Director for South  Caucasus discuss current cooperation issues
Yerevan hosting first Armenian-Korean business forum Yerevan hosting first Armenian-Korean business forum 
Armenian-Iraqi Intergovernmental joint commission`s 3rd meeting in  Baghdad concluded with signing of protocolArmenian-Iraqi Intergovernmental joint commission`s 3rd meeting in  Baghdad concluded with signing of protocol
CBA, IMF discuss introduction of new approaches to monetary policyCBA, IMF discuss introduction of new approaches to monetary policy
Solar photovoltaic floating station opened on Lake YerevanSolar photovoltaic floating station opened on Lake Yerevan
IFC`s cooperation with private sector of Armenia is important from  perspective of implementing  best standards - Deputy Prime MinisterIFC`s cooperation with private sector of Armenia is important from  perspective of implementing  best standards - Deputy Prime Minister
Tech Week to be held in Vanadzor this yearTech Week to be held in Vanadzor this year
Armenian delegation participates in 4th BRITACOFArmenian delegation participates in 4th BRITACOF
Armenian Economy Minister met with Iraqi PresidentArmenian Economy Minister met with Iraqi President
Martin Galstyan: deflationary impact from external sector on Armenian  economy will continueMartin Galstyan: deflationary impact from external sector on Armenian  economy will continue
Martin Galstyan: Inflation risks are more manageable todayMartin Galstyan: Inflation risks are more manageable today
Vahe Davtyan: Middle East Corridor pushes back prospect of launching  so-called Zangezur Corridor even moreVahe Davtyan: Middle East Corridor pushes back prospect of launching  so-called Zangezur Corridor even more
Central Bank Governor: As risk environment softens, interest rates  will declineCentral Bank Governor: As risk environment softens, interest rates  will decline
CBA improves its 2023 forecast for Armenia`s GDP growth from previous  6.9% to updated 7.2%CBA improves its 2023 forecast for Armenia`s GDP growth from previous  6.9% to updated 7.2%
Central Bank of Armenia reduces refinancing rate this time more  noticeably - from 10.25% to 9.75%Central Bank of Armenia reduces refinancing rate this time more  noticeably - from 10.25% to 9.75%
Armenia, Iran to intensify cooperation in tax and customs areas - SRCArmenia, Iran to intensify cooperation in tax and customs areas - SRC
Expert: Armenia`s status as electricity exporting country may  decrease significantlyExpert: Armenia`s status as electricity exporting country may  decrease significantly
Deflation in Armenia is very insignificant due to moderate decrease  in food prices and increase in service prices Deflation in Armenia is very insignificant due to moderate decrease  in food prices and increase in service prices 
Your business - our solutions: SoftPOS application from IDBank - your sales toolYour business - our solutions: SoftPOS application from IDBank - your sales tool
Vahan Kerobyan: The first 3 tourism clusters in Armenia will be  established in Areni, Gyumri and DilijanVahan Kerobyan: The first 3 tourism clusters in Armenia will be  established in Areni, Gyumri and Dilijan
IDBank completes placement of next tranche of $5 million bonds ahead  of scheduleIDBank completes placement of next tranche of $5 million bonds ahead  of schedule
Economist Konstantin Tserazov: “Dividend stories will remain in focus”Economist Konstantin Tserazov: “Dividend stories will remain in focus”
In Armenia, private companies and organizations to be involved in  workforce training and further hiringIn Armenia, private companies and organizations to be involved in  workforce training and further hiring
Armenian-Emirati Business Forum to be held in Yerevan in coming days  - MFAArmenian-Emirati Business Forum to be held in Yerevan in coming days  - MFA
Vahan Kerobyan on situation with Wildberries: We are studying  situation to understand whether there are violations that impinge on  competitionVahan Kerobyan on situation with Wildberries: We are studying  situation to understand whether there are violations that impinge on  competition
Armenia`s national debt rising Armenia`s national debt rising 
Armenia`s minister of economy hosts WB delegation Armenia`s minister of economy hosts WB delegation 
Asphalt laying on Tranche-3 road section of North-South transport  corridor to be completed by end of 2023Asphalt laying on Tranche-3 road section of North-South transport  corridor to be completed by end of 2023
Economy Ministry sees need to extend state subsidies for  Novorossiysk-Batumi-Novorossiysk ferry serviceEconomy Ministry sees need to extend state subsidies for  Novorossiysk-Batumi-Novorossiysk ferry service
Amid high growth, prudent fiscal stance would help avoid overheating  of economy, prevent inflationary pressures - Jihad AzourAmid high growth, prudent fiscal stance would help avoid overheating  of economy, prevent inflationary pressures - Jihad Azour
Idram is for all: commercial director Grigori YolyanIdram is for all: commercial director Grigori Yolyan
EBRD and EU sign first loan under EFSD+ Financial Inclusion Programme  with Acba bank EBRD and EU sign first loan under EFSD+ Financial Inclusion Programme  with Acba bank 
AMD 3,500,572 to the “SOS Children’s Villages” Armenian Charity Foundation AMD 3,500,572 to the “SOS Children’s Villages” Armenian Charity Foundation 
EBRD Annual Meeting to be held in Yerevan next yearEBRD Annual Meeting to be held in Yerevan next year
Growth of economic activity in Armenia is still double-digit, but  already with deceleration tendenciesGrowth of economic activity in Armenia is still double-digit, but  already with deceleration tendencies
Nicholas Schermers: There are serious prerequisites for expanding  Armenian-Dutch cooperation in high- techNicholas Schermers: There are serious prerequisites for expanding  Armenian-Dutch cooperation in high- tech
FLYONE ARMENIA airline congratulates its 1,000,000th passenger FLYONE ARMENIA airline congratulates its 1,000,000th passenger 
Tesvan QA Outsourcing Service Provider center opened in SevanTesvan QA Outsourcing Service Provider center opened in Sevan
In Armenia`s insurance marke, CMPTL loss ratio has been at level of  64% for year alreadyIn Armenia`s insurance marke, CMPTL loss ratio has been at level of  64% for year already
EBRD First Vice-President begins his visit to South Caucasus from ArmeniaEBRD First Vice-President begins his visit to South Caucasus from Armenia
By August 2023, Armenia`s international reserves reached new highs,  $4.126 billionBy August 2023, Armenia`s international reserves reached new highs,  $4.126 billion
Armenia records high macroeconomic indicators despite difficult  period - IMFArmenia records high macroeconomic indicators despite difficult  period - IMF
First in Armenia: Ameriabank`s Mortgage Portfolio Goes Past AMD 200BFirst in Armenia: Ameriabank`s Mortgage Portfolio Goes Past AMD 200B
Armenia, Egypt discuss opportunities to expand mutual tradeArmenia, Egypt discuss opportunities to expand mutual trade
EU to provide Armenia EUR 32 million to improve quality of education  in STEM subjectsEU to provide Armenia EUR 32 million to improve quality of education  in STEM subjects
S&P Upgrades Ameriabank to BB-, Outlook StableS&P Upgrades Ameriabank to BB-, Outlook Stable
Czech Airlines to resume flights on the route Prague-Yerevan- PragueCzech Airlines to resume flights on the route Prague-Yerevan- Prague
Freedom Broker Introduces Full Brokerage Services for Individuals, Pioneering the Market in ArmeniaFreedom Broker Introduces Full Brokerage Services for Individuals, Pioneering the Market in Armenia
EDB upgrades its forecast for Armenia`s economic growth to 7.5%EDB upgrades its forecast for Armenia`s economic growth to 7.5%
Fuel cards are in plusFuel cards are in plus
Exports of copper ore and zinc concentrate from Armenia declining,  molybdenum concentrate stagnating, and ores containing precious  metals increase significantlyExports of copper ore and zinc concentrate from Armenia declining,  molybdenum concentrate stagnating, and ores containing precious  metals increase significantly
S&P upgrades Armenia`s sovereign rating to `BB-` with `Stable`  outlook, expecting 7.5% GDP growth in 2023S&P upgrades Armenia`s sovereign rating to `BB-` with `Stable`  outlook, expecting 7.5% GDP growth in 2023
Read more


Exchange rates
22.09.2023
RUB4.030.03
USD387.240.89
EUR411.87-1.60
GBP474.21-3.36
CAD287.870.19
JPY26.12-0.01
CNY53.990.13
CHF426.99-3.82