IRAN AND ARMENIA TO DISCUSS CONSTRUCTION OF RAILWAY

Vestnik Kavkaza
Oct 25 2012
Russia

The Iranian Energy Minister, head of the Armenian-Iranian
intergovernmental commission Majid Namdzhu, said today that Yerevan
and Tehran have agreed to hold discussions on the construction of
the Iran-Armenia railway.

“There is an agreement to hold a discussion of various issues related
to the construction of the railway, with the participation of all
stakeholders, in Armenia or in Iran,” Namdzhu said after the signing
of the Memorandum of Understanding on the results of the 11th meeting
of the Committee held in Yerevan on 23 -25 October, ARKA reports.

The North-South Railway (Iran-Armenia) will become an alternative way
for Armenia to reach out to the outside world. According to expert
estimates, the project needs $1.7 to $2.8 billion. Construction of
the railway is currently under discussion with Russia, Iran and China.

Currently, all rail transport from Armenia goes via Georgia, so
the construction of the railway is of great importance for both the
Armenian and Iranian sides. The World Bank and the Asian Development
Bank have expressed interest in the project. The railway to Iran, which
the Armenian authorities have declared a priority project, will open
up an alternative way of transporting energy and other commodities.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress