Turkish Press: ​​US reiterates support for peace talks between Azerbaijan, Armenia

Turkey –

US reiterates support for peace talks between Azerbaijan, Armenia

Free passage of commercial, humanitarian and private vehicles through Lachin corridor is important, says US Secretary of State

09:15 . 13/07/2023 Thursday
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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke by phone with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on Wednesday, saying his country continues to support peace talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Blinken reiterated US support for negotiations between the two countries and emphasized the need for creativity, flexibility and reconciliation in the talks, said State Department spokesman Matthew Miller.

He emphasized the need for the free passage of commercial, humanitarian and private vehicles through the Lachin corridor.

Blinken said that both sides should maintain the positive momentum in the negotiations for a lasting and dignified peace.

On Tuesday, Blinken said on Twitter that he spoke with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

“I spoke with Armenian Prime Minister @NikolPashinyan yesterday to reiterate my strong support for ongoing efforts to secure peace with Azerbaijan. Direct dialogue and diplomacy are the only path to a durable peace in the South Caucasus and I remain committed to help facilitate,” he said.

PM Pashinyan gets acquainted with the progress of the development projects implemented in various communities in Kotayk

 20:31,

YEREVAN, JULY 10, ARMENPRESS. During his visit to Kotayk Province, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan got acquainted with the progress of projects completed and still in progress in the communities funded by the Government and subsidy programs, ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister first visited the Citizens’ Service Office of the Hrazdan City Hall and got acquainted with its activities and services. It was noted that the goal of the office is to provide high-quality services to citizens on a “one-window” basis, to increase the efficiency, transparency and availability of local self-government bodies, to provide more affordable and easy communication between the citizen and the municipality. It was emphasized that the office significantly facilitates the processes implemented by the City Hall. The CSO was established with the co-financing of the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and Hrazdan City Hall. The total cost of the project was 16.6 million AMD.

Next, the Prime Minister familiarized himself with the works of major repair of the 1.7 km section of Hrazdan entrance highway, construction of sidewalks and drainage system. The total cost of the project is 771 million AMD. The funds were provided from the state budget, and the construction works will be completed in the coming months.

In Hrazdan, Nikol Pashinyan was also presented with the construction works of school No. 2, which will be completed in August 2024. 1.7 billion AMD were allocated for the construction of the earthquake-resistant school designed for 400 students. The project is implemented in cooperation between ADB and the Armenian government.

Then the Prime Minister headed to Tsaghkadzor, where he got acquainted with the reconstruction works of the 10 km long road stretching from the sports base to the Sevan highway. The Government allocated around 1.2 billion AMD for the implementation of the project. The construction works will be completed within the next month.

Next, the major repair works of the 17-19 km section of the Jrarat-Meghradzor-Hankavan national highway, which started in 2023, were presented to the Head of the Government. The total cost of the project is 463 million 696 thousand AMD.

The Prime Minister visited the water bottling plant at the foot of the Aknaler mountain of the Pambak mountain range, which was built by the “A&M Rare” company, and got acquainted with the latter’s activities. The construction of the fully automated mineral and spring water bottling production complex was carried out in 2019-2020, it was commissioned in autumn 2020. The total cost of investments was 30 million euros. 90 jobs were created. It was noted that it is planned to switch to shift work, as a result of which the number of jobs will increase. The products are consumed in the local market, as well as is exported to the Russian Federation, Middle East countries, USA, Poland. Possible cooperation with a number of European countries is also discussed.

The major repair works of the 10 km section of the Nor Geghi-Argel-Arzakan-Hrazdan national highway started in 2022, about 80% of the works have been completed. The total cost of the project is 1 billion 290 million AMD. 8 km has already been built, the construction of 2 km started in 2023.

The 15.6 km section of the Yerevan-Yegvard-Aragyugh-Hartavan-/M-3/ republican highway is also being repaired. The works started in 2023. The total cost of the project is 2 billion 290 million AMD.

The Abovyan-Arzni-Nor Geghi road is also being repaired. The works started in 2022. The project is in the final stage. The total cost of the project is 498 million AMD. As a result, it is planned to repair the 1.4 km section of the entrance to Abovyan city, build sidewalks and a drainage system. Funds for the reconstruction of the above-mentioned roads were provided from the state budget.

The Prime Minister also got acquainted with the conditions of the Byureghavan community polyclinic repaired in the sidelines of 2019-2022 subsidy program. Along with the repair works, the necessary property was also acquired with the subsidy program. The total cost of the project was 112 million AMD. Almost 34 million AMD were allocated by the Government, and the remaining part was financed by the community.

The next stop of the Head of the Government was the primary school of Katnaghbyur, the construction of which is being carried out by the Urban Development Committee. It was reported that 95% of the work was done. Construction started in 2021 and is expected to be completed soon. The total cost of the project is AMD 306.7 million. The school will be able to accommodate 100 students.

In the Akunk community, Nikol Pashinyan got acquainted with the technical means acquired for the community. Within the scope of the subsidy program 2020-2022, 2 garbage trucks, 1 multi-functional road vehicle, 1 lifting crane and 160 garbage cans were purchased. The total cost of the project is 167.5 million AMD, which includes the co-financing of the state budget – 83.7 million AMD. Special equipment has been acquired for the needs of the community, through which most of the community’s utility services are carried out.

In Garni community, the Head of the Government visited an intensive apricot and cherry orchard, which was established in 2022. The total cost of the project implemented by “Garni Food” company and with the state support program was 154 million AMD. Apricot and cherry orchards were established on the 16.5 hectares of land with the application of latest technologies.

In the same community, the Prime Minister got acquainted with the sub-project of “Improvement of the area near the Garni Cathedral” implemented by the Territorial Development Fund of Armenia. The works started in 2021, 95% of the works have been completed. The total cost of the project is 533 million AMD. Within the framework of the sub-project, restoration of roads and sidewalks is planned.

In Jrvezh community, Nikol Pashinyan got acquainted with the conditions of the community’s newly built kindergarten. It was told that within the framework of the subsidy program, the  construction of a two-story kindergarten on a 4919 square meter plot of land has been completed under a subsidy program. The kindergarten was equipped with the necessary equipment. The total cost of the project was 707 million AMD, including the co-financing of the state budget in the amount of 347.27 million AMD. The kindergarten will be able to accept 190 students from August.

The Prime Minister paid tribute to the memory of the Armenians who sacrificed their lives for the Motherland during the the 44-day war.

Armenian Quotes on the Culturally Rich Nation

EVERYDAY POWER
July 7 2023





These Armenian quotes showcase the immense pride and rich cultural heritage of its people.

Armenia is a country located in South Caucasus between the borders of Eastern Europe and Western Asia.

Armenia boasts an ancient culture that has been flourishing for centuries. 

These quotes encapsulate the collective values, aspirations, and experiences of the Armenian people.

In Armenia, you can find historical landmarks showing the resilience of the Armenian people.

Armenian history and culture are woven together; each contributes to the identity of this nation.

o embark on a journey through time and learn about some fascinating aspects of Armenian history and culture, continue reading below.

The deep-rooted Armenian culture is quite popular in the region and beyond.

The traditions have been passed down from one generation to another. 

For instance, Armenian culture boasts the following aspects:

  • Soul-stirring music
  • Vibrant folk dances 
  • Elaborate craftsmanship 
  • Intricate textiles

Armenians show unwavering pride when presenting or displaying their cultural heritage.

Tourists love to explore traditional Armenian cuisine, family customs, art forms, and festivals.

Armenian cultural festivals are also known for their vibrant atmosphere. 

Each of these festivals serves as a colorful aspect of Armenian culture.

Some of the most popular cultural festivals of Armenia include:

  • Vardavar: The Festival of Water
  • Navasard: Honoring Armenian Mythology
  • Shoghakat Festival: Embracing Armenian Traditional Dance
  • Areni Wine Festival: Celebrating Armenian Grape Harvest
  • Yerevan Wine Days: Toasting to Armenian Wine Culture

Armenian architecture is a testament to the rich history this land owns. 

This place has been the interplay of various civilizations.

Each civilization has left its mark on the architecture and culture of this land. 

Here, you can find monastic complexes like Geghard and Haghpat.

The iconic Etchmiadzin Cathedral is another example showing a unique blend of different cultures. 

It involves a variety of elements linked to Persian, Byzantine, and Armenian architectural styles. 

When you Delve into the world of these architectural marvels, you can feel the significance of Armenian architecture.

Armenian literature and artists have gained a lot of popularity throughout the world. 

Some of the famous figures associated with art and literature include:

  • Hovhannes Shiraz 
  • Paruyr Sevak
  • Martiros Saryan 

People like these have promoted Armenian culture. 

Following is the collection of top Armenian quotes that you would love to read. These quotes will help you in knowing about Armenian people and culture in a better way. 

1. “Armenian is the language to speak with God.” — Lord Byron

2. “It’s time to recognize the Armenian Genocide.” — Kim Kardashian

3. “The Armenian massacre was the greatest crime of the war.” — Theodore Roosevelt

4. “What a lonely and silly thing it is to be an Armenian writer in America.”  — William Saroyan

5. “The legacy of the Armenian Genocide is woven into the fabric of America.” — Adam Schiff

6. “The first genocide of the 21st century was against you, the Armenian people.” — Pope Francis

7. “He was so depressed, he tried to commit suicide by inhaling next to an Armenian.” — Woody Allen

8. “Armenia remains a dream, a subject of stories; it is still, against all odds, a place.” — Anthony Bourdain

9. “I’m Armenian, but I’m very fair, and I look white… I would always get such hate about it.” — Khloe Kardashian

10. “If I were money-motivated, I wouldn’t have joined a rock band with three other Armenian guys.” — Daron Malakian

The quotes below are related to having Armenian family backgrounds.

11. “I was born in Iran; my parents are Armenian.” — Gegard Mousasi

12. “I’m Armenian, so I’m oily and always have blotting papers.” — Khloe Kardashian

13. “My grandmother, Betty Bertha Bright, lived in the Armenian block in Kolkata.” — Pooja Bhatt

14. “I mean, my dad is half-Armenian, his father is 100%, and I actually think he has Armenian citizenship.” — Dan Bilzerian

15. “Raffi Cavoukian was born in Cairo in 1948 and moved with his Armenian parents to Toronto when he was 10.” — Sheila Heti

16. “My biological dad was Armenian. My last name is Lopez, and I have a darker complexion, which throws people for a loop.” — Seth Rollins

17. “I am Armenian, and I understand what it is to lose a country and lose a family and have massacres and genocides and everything against my people.” — Andrea Martin

18. “My forebears were fantastically wealthy Armenians who came to England from India in the 19th century and did what foreign types do – they married into a penniless but well-bred local family.” — Saul David

19. “On my father’s side, I’m descended from immigrants, one of whom was a Syrian refugee from the Armenian genocide, and my mother was an immigrant from Germany whose visa had expired and, for a year and change, was undocumented here in the U.S.” — Alexis Ohanian

20. “My family was very open. My grandfather was German and a Protestant. My father, a lawyer, was Greek Catholic and played the violin. My mother was very religious and went to church twice a day. My grandmother was Armenian. So I was raised with three different faiths – that’s why I am so open.” — Krzysztof Penderecki

Explore the enduring spirit of Armenia through these inspiring quotes that embody resilience, cultural heritage, and the power of survival.

21. “A woman telling her true age is like a buyer confiding his final price to an Armenian rug dealer.” — Mignon McLaughlin

22. “And I realized more and more that the Armenian story was not so much one of massacre and persecution, as survival.” — Philip Marsden

23. “When I was younger, I was listening to a lot of Armenian music, you know, revolutionary music about freedom and protest.” — Serj Tankian

24. “I was raised with a huge Armenian influence, always hearing stories of Armenia, celebrating Armenian holidays.” — Kim Kardashian

25. “Russia demanded Armenian territories, very cleverly using long-standing, bitter fights between Armenians and Turks.” — Ernst Kaltenbrunner

26. “The idea of telling the story of the Armenian genocide – or, really, any other genocide – and repeating those stories is really important.” — Chris Cornell

27. “Armenian folklore has it that three apples fell from Heaven: one for the teller of a story, one for the listener, and the third for the one who ‘took it to heart.’” — Nancy Willard

28. “The Christian Armenian story was the Polish Jewish story. The efforts of the Armenians to stay alive in Musa Dagh chimed with those struggling to survive the ghetto.” — Howard Jacobson

29. “With faith and courage, generations of Armenians have overcome great suffering and proudly preserved their culture, traditions, and religion and have told the story of the genocide to an often indifferent world.” — Jerry Costello

30. “From May until October, the Ottoman Government pursued methodically a plan of extermination far more hellish than the worst possible massacre. Orders for the deportation of the entire Armenian population to Mesopotamia were dispatched to every province of Asia Minor. These orders were explicit and detailed. No Hamlet was too insignificant to be missed. The news was given by town criers that every Armenian was to be ready to leave at a certain hour for an unknown destination.” — Herbert Adams Gibbons

There are various facts about every nation which others want to know. Below given quotes show some great facts about the Armenian people.

31. “Modern Armenia survived only because it was a single province controlled and protected by the Russian Empire.” — John Shimkus

32. “Armenia was always a minority nation. The Armenians were annihilated by the Russians and then by the Turks.” — Ernst Kaltenbrunner

33. “I am Armenian, so, of course, I am obsessed with laser hair removal! Arms, bikini, legs, underarms… my entire body is hairless.” — Kim Kardashian

34. “In 1911, Turkey established gun control. From 1915 to 1917, 1.5 million Armenians, unable to defend themselves, were exterminated.” — Joe Wurzelbacher

35. “Harout Pamboukjian is one of the biggest Armenian folk singers in the world. In the ’70s, he was making these records that were really Zeppelin-influenced.” — Serj Tankian

36. “It is simply in the nature of Armenian to study, to learn, to question, to speculate, to discover, to invent, to revise, to restore, to preserve, to make, and to give.” — William Saroyan

37. “On the eve of World War I, an estimated two million Armenians lived in the Ottoman Empire. Well over a million were deported, and hundreds of thousands were simply killed.” — Eliot Engel

38. “The Jews were gassed. Armenians were killed in every conceivable way… So the Holocaust doesn’t interest me, see? They’ve had a lot of publicity, but they didn’t suffer as much.” — Jack Kevorkian

39. “Not so many Armenian players are given a chance to play in the Champions League, and this is really important for me because I want to do everything to impress the children who are watching me playing.” — Henrikh Mkhitaryan

40. “In the 20th century, the Muslim world created a vision of religious nationalism. Turkey, for example, had to be ethnically Turkish. Kurds, Armenians, and other minorities didn’t have a place in such a vision of a nation-state.” — Feisal Abdul Rauf

History is full of events leading to the Armenian genocide, and the Armenian people mourn their genocide to this day. .

41. “What is compelling about the Armenian genocide is how it has been forgotten.” — Atom Egoyan

42. “The Armenian genocide showed what could happen when empires were beaten into nations.” — Niall Ferguson

43. “Our strength lies in our intensive attacks and our barbarity…After all, who today remembers the genocide of the Armenians?” — Adolf Hitler

44. “Like the genocide of the Armenians before it, and the genocide of the Cambodians which followed it … the lessons of the Holocaust must never be forgotten.” — Ronald Reagan

45. “The reality is that most of North America know next to nothing of the 20th century’s first genocide – the systematic slaughter of 1.5 million Armenians in the First World War.” — Chris Bohjalian

46. “This was a tragic event in human history, but by paying tribute to the Armenian community, we ensure the lessons of the Armenian Genocide are properly understood and acknowledged.” — Jerry Costello

47. “The Armenian Genocide is such a controversial and very sensitive issue because the Turkish and Armenian people disagree about the facts of what actually happened.” — Khloe Kardashian

48. “Moreover, as the leadership of the House confirmed last year, the Administration remains opposed to a congressional resolution on the Armenian Genocide due to Turkish objections.” — Patrick J. Kennedy

49. “If Turkey is prepared to acknowledge the Armenian Genocide, then its leaders can proceed immediately to direct dialogue with its counterparts in Armenia to define a common vision for the future.” — Mark Foley

50. “The AXA and New York Life settlements are important building blocks not only toward seeking financial recovery for the losses resulting from the Armenian Genocide but also in our ultimate goal, which is for Turkey and the US to acknowledge the genocide officially.” — Mark Geragos

The Armenian diaspora has reached almost every corner of the world. 

Armenian history and culture have shown resilience, which is why Armenian traditions are still practiced. 

In addition, Armenian artists and literary people have contributed a lot to the express the identity of Armenian culture. 

This is one of the reasons behind the popularity of Armenian quotes.

You can share these quotes with your friends and family via any social media platform.

If you have found your favorite Armenian quote, do share it with us via our comments section. 

We would love to know about your choice.

Red Cross evacuates 14 patients from blockaded Nagorno Karabakh

 15:31,

YEREVAN, JUNE 30, ARMENPRESS. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has facilitated the transfer of 14 patients together with their attendants from Artsakh to Armenia for treatment, the Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) Ministry of Healthcare reported.

The ICRC plans to transfer 7 other patients together with their attendants – who have completed treatment –  back to Artsakh from Armenia on June 30.

The Artsakh healthcare authorities said that 34 children are hospitalized in the Arevik clinic. 3 of them are in neonatal and intensive care. Another 85 patients are hospitalized at the Republican Medical Center. 9 of them are in intensive care, with 7 assessed as critical.

The Lachin Corridor has been blocked by Azerbaijan since 12 December 2022. 

The United Nations’ highest court – the International Court of Justice (ICJ) – ordered Azerbaijan on February 22 to “take all steps at its disposal” to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions.  Azerbaijan has been ignoring the order ever since.

Lachin Corridor is the only road linking Nagorno Karabakh with Armenia and the rest of the world.

US encouraged by Armenia, Azerbaijan peace efforts as Washington talks begin

WASHINGTON, June 27 (Reuters) – The United States is encouraged by recent efforts by Armenia and Azerbaijan to engage productively on a peace process, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said on Tuesday as Washington hosts the two countries’ foreign ministers for talks.

Earlier on Tuesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov ahead of talks between the two, and emphasized that direct dialogue is key to solving the conflict in the South Caucasus, Miller said. (Reporting by Daphne Psaledakis and Simon Lewis; editing by Jonathan Oatis)

Mirzoyan, Blinken emphasize delimitation between Armenia and Azerbaijan based on Alma-Ata Declaration and the 1975 map

 19:57,

YEREVAN, JUNE 27, ARMENPRESS. On June 27, in Washington D.C., Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan met U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, ARMENPRESS was informed from MFA Armenia.

During the meeting, regional security and stability issues were discussed. The interlocutors touched upon the normalization process of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The importance of the following issues was stressed: ensuring the delimitation process between Armenia and Azerbaijan based on the Alma-Ata Declaration and the map of 1975, withdrawal of the troops from the border, as well as appropriately addressing the rights and security issues of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh as an important factor for the lasting peace in the region.

The interlocutors also exchanged views on issues of unblocking the region’s transport infrastructure.

Ararat Mirzoyan briefed upon the humanitarian crisis resulting from the illegal blockade of the Lachin corridor. Minister Mirzoyan emphasized the imperative for Azerbaijan to renounce warmongering rhetoric as well as to release all Armenian prisoners of war.

Robert Kocharyan discussed Meghri-Nagorno Karabakh swap option with Heydar Aliyev in 1999 – Pashinyan

 11:28,

YEREVAN, JUNE 27, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said that he has information that Robert Kocharyan considered swapping the Armenian town of Meghri with Nagorno Karabakh during his presidency in negotiations with then-Azerbaijani leader Heydar Aliyev.

Pashinyan told lawmakers at the parliament select committee on the 2020 war that Vagharshak Harutyunyan, the Armenian Ambassador to Russia, told him that the option was discussed during a Kocharyan-Aliyev meeting in 1999 in Sadarak. Harutyunyan, who was Minister of Defense of Armenia at that time, was present at the meeting, according to his account.

“There were other people present at the discussion, particularly Defense Minister Vagharshak Harutyunyan,” Pashinyan said when asked on the Kocharyan-Aliyev meeting. “[Harutyunyan] has publicly said that the Meghri option was discussed at his presence between Robert Kocharyan and Heydar Aliyev in July of 1999 in Sadarak. Harutyunyan has also said that Kocharyan told him that the Meghri option was a good option for resolving the Karabakh conflict. According to him, the Meghri option back then was the following: The former NKAO territory was to be united with Armenia, as well as Lachin, as a corridor between Armenia and Artsakh, and in exchange Armenia were to surrender the Meghri region to Azerbaijan with the 1988 borders, for Azerbaijan to obtain a land connection with Nakhchivan. But by doing so Armenia would lose its land connection with Iran,” Pashinyan said.

Pashinyan added that there are testimonies that this option was indeed discussed.

He also cited a newspaper article from 2000 about then-FM Vartan Oskanian, who allegedly spoke about the Meghri option and said that it also envisaged a sovereign road for Armenia to retain land connection with Iran.

Putin called the situation related to the armed riot a blow to the back of the country and the people

 11:35,

YEREVAN, JUNE 24, ARMENPRESS. Putin called the situation related to the armed riot a blow to the back of the country and people, ARMENPRESS reports, citing TASS, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his address to the nation.

Putin also noted that the work of the civil and military departments in Rostov is actually blocked.

“The armed forces and other state bodies have received the necessary orders, now additional anti-terror measures are being implemented in Moscow, Moscow region and a number of other regions. Decisive actions will also be taken to stabilize the situation in Rostov-on-Don. It remains complicated, the work of the civil and military department is actually blocked,” he said.

Armenian, French defense ministers discuss issues related to regional security

 20:40,

YEREVAN, JUNE 20, ARMENPRESS. As part of his working visit to France, Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan had a meeting with French Minister of Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu. Armenian Ambassador to France Hasmik Tolmajyan also participated in the meeting.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia, the welcoming ceremony of the Defense Minister of Armenia took place with the participation of a military band and guard of honor, the national anthems of the Republic of Armenia and the French Republic were performed.

After the solemn welcoming ceremony, discussions were held regarding the current course of implementation of the agreements reached at the meeting held in Paris on September 27, 2022.

Issues related to regional security were discussed. At the end of the meeting, Minister of Defense Suren Papikyan thanked French Minister of Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu for the eventful working visit to the French Republic and warm welcome.




Armenia considers nuclear options

June 12 2023
12 June 2023



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Among the options for a new NPP in Armenia, the project for a Russian unit of 1,000-1,200 MWe is the best developed, according to Karen Sargsyan, Advisor at the Ministry of Territorial Administration & Infrastructure (MTAI). He was speaking at a panel discussion on the prospects for nuclear energy in Armenia organised by Rosatom and the Ministry. Sargsyan recalled that at the beginning of this year, a pre-feasibility study (preliminary feasibility study) was prepared for Armenia for the construction of a plant with a VVER-1200 reactor. Armenia and Russia signed an interstate agreement to build a 1,000-1,200 MWe plant and in May, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev held talks in Yerevan on the possible construction of a new NPP.

We are talking about a new modification of this type of station – a generation 3+ design with four levels of protection against emergencies and accidents, he specified. There is very little time to make a decision, he noted, because the construction of the station will take at least 10 years, and a lot of work needs to be done meanwhile to further extend the life of the existing station. The first stage of the extension made it possible to extend the life of the NPP from 2016 to 2026. Another 10-year extension until 2036 is now being considered.

The currently operating Armenian NPP (ANPP) at Metsamor was built in the 1970s with two Soviet-supplied VVER-440-V230 units, but was closed following a devastating earthquake in 1988. However, unit 2 was recommissioned with Russian help in 1995 following severe energy shortages. In March 2014, the Armenian government decided to extend the plant’s service life to 2026. Most of the overhaul (until 2019) was funded by an interstate loan from Russia. Construction of a new nuclear plant has long been part of Armenia’s overall plan, although finance has proved to be an obstacle. Likhachev confirmed Rosatom’s continued support for co-operation and extension of the operating life of the NPP was viewed as a priority.

Before the start of any construction, significant design work will be needed. “I think that a decision may be made in the near future. Moreover, the pre-feasibility study is already ready from the Russian side, I have not seen anything from other parties yet,” Sargsyan said. However, other projects are being considered in parallel. A working group has been set up under the Ministry, which is discussing the advantages and disadvantages of French, South Korean, American and other possible technologies, he specified.

ANPP Director Movses Vardanyan said Armenia should begin considering the construction of a new power plant today. “In this regard Armenia is a specific country and has several demands,” he said. “First of all, the issues related to safety and seismic resistance are important to us, we also consider financial and logistic issues and many other aspects. As you know, in February 2023 our partners at the Rosatom Energy Projects submitted the preliminary technical-economic substantiation of building two 1200 MW reactors in Armenia. They take into consideration all our demands and issues, and we already have that project on hand. We are also working with our South Korean partners who have offered 1,000 and 1,400 MWe reactors, as well as small modular reactors (SMRs). We are also studying a French variant as well as American SMRs. I once again emphasise that we will prioritise safety, financial expediency and logistics.”

MTAI has set up a working group “for the purpose of discussing the matters related to the expediency of deploying small modular reactors, as well as to carry out analyses and define the sequence of further steps in order to select the necessary technologies”. According to Minister Gnel Sanosyan, there is a lot of work to be done: “About two years is needed for preparatory work, from 8 to 10 years for construction.” He added that it is necessary to understand what capacity the new NPP should have, and this must be decided by taking into account many factors – not for a short period, but for the next 100 years.

“For example, we must calculate how much electricity we will supply to Iran, whether we will supply it or not, whether we will supply electricity to Georgia. We need to understand what the relations between Armenia and Turkey will be like, whether Turkey will buy electricity from Armenia, because now the eastern regions of Turkey need it,” he added. Sanosyan said it is also necessary to calculate volumes of local consumption to assess the scale of dependence on the NPP. While the Russia project is well advanced, the USA is now proposing the construction of SMRs. The Minister said this proposal has not yet been studied from a technical point of view, it may take several months. However, he gave assurances that by the end of the year the Armenian government would “decide on the issue of capacity”.

Suren Bznuni, a specialist in nuclear and radiation safety, considers the existence of an “economic justification” and safety issues to be the most important consideration. He said it is necessary to build a safe and economically profitable reactor, regardless of whether it is Russian or American. A nuclear power plant with a capacity of 1,000 MWe, in his opinion, could be problematic for Armenia in terms of grid stability, given that the current NPP is only 400 MWe.

ANPP Board member Vahram Petrosyan believes Armenia would do better with two smaller plants each with a capacity of 500-600 MWe. He noted that Armenia’s total electricity demand does not exceed 1,200 MWe and that hydro, solar and thermal plants can easily make up the difference. “A high-capacity nuclear power plant can become a headache for the country. We must consider all options and send the right order to the government,” Petrosayn told Hetq.

However, UN National Expert on Energy Ara Marjanyan has said that building a new nuclear reactor at Metsamor is essential to enable Armenia to constantly generate nuclear power and that a new 1,000-1,200 MWe reactor would be required by 2036. He stressed that the new reactor must be completed before decommissioning the existing one. He noted that under the agreement concluded with Russia a roadmap is to be developed and a final decision is to be made on the type and other technical parameters of the reactor. The construction work will commence by the end of 2024 or early 2025 and the cost is estimated at $3-5bn. “I think this is a reasonable expenditure, and it is imperative for Armenia to have constant nuclear generation on its territory. I think the construction will take 10-12 years,” he said.

Russia Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said recently that Russia is ready to discuss the financial issues and parameters of building NPPs in the territories of Eurasian Economic Union members, including Armenia. He was addressing the Eurasia Is My Home exhibition which was also attended by Prime Minister Pashinyan. The attendees were briefed on Rosatom’s two-unit VVER-1200 project in Belarus. The first unit is already operational while the second is undergoing tests. Mishustin told Pashinyan that Belarusian companies financed just over 40% of the costs. Pashinyan reportedly noted that Rosatom was not offering reactors with capacity lower than 1,200MWe. In response, Rosatom Director General Likhachev told Pashinyan that Rosatom can build reactors with capacities of 1,000, 600 or 400 MWe, but it would be more expensive.


 

Image: Metsamor nuclear power plant (courtesy of ANPP)