Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that Armenia wants to find a friendly solution with Russia regarding the railway issue and does not wish to pursue drastic measures:
“We need to understand each other in a friendly manner, recognize each other’s interests, and reach certain compromises. I have previously said that one such compromise could be the sale by Russian Railways of the concession rights, either fully or partially, so that Armenia’s historic opportunity to integrate into the international network is not obstructed,” he said.
According to Pashinyan, terminating or dissolving the agreement is always an option, but Armenia does not want to choose that path.
“I have nothing against Russia. I treat Russia’s interests with respect and understanding,” he said.
The prime minister noted that various options have emerged during discussions with experts.
“Various options are being discussed in our work with experts, for example, the sale of part of the company, with the Russian side remaining a minority shareholder. “Another option is to divide the license. In the case of railways, the license covers infrastructure maintenance and transportation itself. These functions could be redistributed, and there are many such options,” he said.
In May, Pashinyan stated that Russian concession management of Armenia’s railway deprives the country of certain competitive advantages, proposing that concession management of the Armenian railway be transferred to a third country friendly to both Armenia and Russia. Various Russian officials have stated that they do not consider transferring concession management of the railway to a third country appropriate.
Russia manages Armenia’s railway under a concession through the South Caucasus Railway company.
