(ArmInfo) - Today, at a press-conference, Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan said that the Iran-Armenia gas pipeline will most likely be put into operation by the end of the first half of 2007.
To remind, the opening of the gas pipeline was put off for several times for technical reasons. Particularly, it was planned to open the pipeline before December 20, 2006.
A month ago V.Oskanyan visited Iran where the sides agreed to open the gas pipeline in January. The Iranian side will complete all the tests before March, afterwards the pipeline will be launched. The Foreign Minister emphasized that the pipeline is ready to operate, it only should pass the service tests. At any rate, V.Oskanyan expressed confidence that the pipeline will be put into operation in the first quarter of the current year, or by the end of the first half of 2007 at the latest, reports Trend.
The Armenian Foreign Minister also noted that the possible transfer of the gas pipeline to the Russian side will not affect the relations between Armenian and Iran. The Iranian side will perceive this with understanding if such decision is taken, he said.
Speaking of the diversification of energy sources delivery and the energy security of the republic, the Minister pointed out that the first steps have already been taken in this direction. One of them is the construction of the Iran-Armenia gas pipeline. When the construction of the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline starts, Armenia shouldn't remain aloof, he said. "Now negotiations are being held, and we try to participate in these discussions in order to ensure a larger diversification", V.Oskanyan noted.