The Armenian government hopes to settle the disagreements over the management of the national railway amicably with the Russian side, but is ready to defend its interests in the international arbitration court if necessary.

Prime Minister at the briefing following the July 30 government session Nikol Pashinyan reaffirmed the clear position of Yerevan regarding the modernization of railway infrastructures. Although on July 27, the president of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin this topic was not discussed during the telephone conversation, the Armenian side continues to insist on the fulfillment of the obligations assumed by the concession agreement a day ago.

It refers to the agreement signed back in 2008, by which the Armenian railway network was handed over to the fiduciary management of the Russian state company “RZD” for 30 years, with the possibility of extending the agreement for another 10 years.

Today, the main problem is the urgent restoration of a number of strategically important sections under the Russian concession, in particular, the lines stretching from the Armenia-Turkey border in Akhurik, from the Armenia-Nakhijevan border to Yeraskh, as well as in Tavush to the Ijevan station.

The head of the executive of Armenia previously also urged the Russian side to speed up these works.

At the end of last year, Pashinyan announced that Yerevan is ready to finance the restoration of infrastructure with its own funds, if the Russian side violates the due dates. As an alternative solution, in February, the option of buying the management right from Russia by a friendly third country was also circulated.

According to the Prime Minister, Yerevan is ready for a peaceful dialogue, but is also ready to take legal steps, up to turning to the arbitration court.

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