Yerevan, March 30, Itar-Tass/ACSNA/IRNA -- Negotiations with Iran regarding the construction of a gas pipeline to Armenia reached the final stage, Armenian Energy Minister Armen Movsesyan said on Tuesday.

The sides have already reached accords on the main technical parameters of the pipeline.

Iranian oil minister is expected to arrive in Yerevan in early April to sign an agreement on building of a gas pipeline, Movsesyan said.

According to the minister, the construction, due to begin later this year, will last 20 months and to be completed in 2006. Either country will be fully responsible for laying its stretch of the pipeline.

According to preliminary estimates, the Armenian section will cost dlrs 100 million to lay, and the Iranian stretch, slightly more.

According to the draft agreement, Iran will deliver gas to Armenia in amounts sufficient only for the country`s domestic consumption, Movsesyan said.

The question of extending the pipeline farther to carry Iranian gas to Europe was not considered, contrary to allegations by some mass media.

The gas pipeline from Iran will ensure continuous gas supply to Armenia and enhance its energy security. So far Armenia has received gas by the sole pipeline from Russia.

... Payvand News - 3/31/04 ... --