Armenian MPs Continue To Argue About Gas Contract With Russia

ARMENIAN MPS CONTINUE TO ARGUE ABOUT GAS CONTRACT WITH RUSSIA

[ Part 2.2: “Attached Text” ]

02.04.2014 17:16 epress.am

Discussions to establish a commission to investigate the gas contracts
signed with Russia in 2013 continued in Armenia’s National Assembly
today. Representatives of the four non-ruling parties addressed the
parliament, stressing the need to create such a commission.

“Where did the $300 million debt come from and why as it hidden from
the people? Second, how is it that we get it at the border at the
normal price, [but] it comes to the consumer at a horrid price and he
is unable to pay the debt. Third, how is it that we’re going to keep
a status quo with which we will deprive ourselves of the opportunity
of having alternative energy?” asked Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK)
MP Naira Zohrabyan.

>From the ruling coalition [Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) and Rule
of Law (OEK)], asking for the right to speak was HHK MP Gagik Minasyan,
who said if it’s cold outside, naturally citizens will have to pay
more for gas.

“They say, the most expensive gas is consumed by citizens of the
Republic of Armenia consume the most expensive gas, [but] that’s
not true. Our parliamentary hearings are very liberal, data from 35
countries is represented. Armenian citizens are in 10th place; and
business [consumers] at 6th. On this list are countries that produce
their own gas or subsidize it,” he said.

According to Minasyan, HHK will vote against the creation of a
commission.

Armenian National Congress (HAK) MP Aram Manukyan, in his turn to
speak, addressed ruling authorities’ argument that being against the
gas contract is like being against Armenian-Russian relations.

“Do not be in favor of Armenian-Russian relations more than I. We say
that gas was stolen here in Armenia,” he said, adding that he wants the
Russians to know as well what frivolous people they’re dealing with.

contract-with-russia.html

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress