RZD Confirms Concession Work in Armenia Amid Dispute
The Joint Stock Company "South Caucasus Railway" (Yukzd), which operates in Armenia, is a 100% subsidiary of the Open Joint Stock Company "Russian Railways" (RZD).
Consensus
- Russian Railways (RZD) continues to operate the railways in Armenia under a concession agreement.
- The concession agreement was signed in 2008 and is valid for 30 years with a possible extension of 10 years.
- RZD states it is fully fulfilling its contractual obligations and investing in the infrastructure.
- The management of Armenia's railways is carried out by JSC South Caucasus Railway (SKZHD), a 100% subsidiary of RZD.
- Armenia's government has expressed concerns about the current arrangement, including the possibility of selling the concession to a third party.
- RZD has stated it will comply with any decisions made at the government level, provided they are within the framework of the contract.
- The issue has been raised publicly by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who claims Armenia should have full control over its railways.
Points of divergence
- RZD emphasized that both Russia and Armenia are strictly fulfilling the terms of the agreement, and all issues are handled through normal discussion formats. — kommersant
- RZD stated that it is developing the railway infrastructure and has invested approximately $396.3 million since 2008, with no dividends paid to the parent company, all profits reinvested. — interfax
- Russian Minister of Transport Andrei Nikitin confirmed that Russia continues cooperation with Armenia in the same format and complies with Russian legislation. — vedomosti
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed surprise at Pashinyan's proposal to sell the concession and suggested that such matters should be discussed through regular bilateral channels rather than public statements. — vedomosti
- Pashinyan stated that Armenia may seek international arbitration if the dispute is not resolved amicably. — interfax
- Pashinyan mentioned potential third-party buyers such as Kazakhstan, UAE, Qatar, or another country, though no specific decision has been made. — vedomosti
- Pashinyan claimed that Armenia is losing integration opportunities into international rail networks under current management. — interfax
Coverage (6 sources)
- Belozеров reacts to Pashinyan's words about the — Вести
- Overtchuk: Yerevan believes that the presence of Russia in the person of YKZhD hinders Armenia's development — Вести
- Head of RZD: Russia and Armenia clearly fulfill points of the railway concession agreement — Коммерсантъ
- RZD intends to fulfill concession contract obligations for Armenia railways — Интерфакс
- Minister of Transport: Russia continues work with Armenia on YKJD — Ведомости
- Belozеров revealed prospects for cooperation between RZD and Armenia — Вести
Key entities
- Armenia
- RZD
- Russia
- Oleg Belozерov
- Moscow
- Yukhny Railway
- Nikola Pashinyan
- Yerevan
- IT 'News'
- INTERFAX.RU
- Media
- Telegram channel
- Izvestiya
- IT 'News'
- Andrey Nikitin
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