YEREVAN. – Armenia is ready for talks with Iran at any rate lower than $189 per thousand cubic meters, Energy Minister Armen Movsisyan told reporters.

“When Ambassador of Iran returns to Armenia, we will meet and will hold a discussion. If the Iranian side finds it possible to sell gas at $100 per thousand cubic meters, I will immediately visit Tehran to start talks. Everything that is cheaper is beneficial for the Armenian side,” the Minister said.

Movsisyan emphasized that Armenia is not connected by “take and pay” formula with Russia, and can buy any amount at its discretion. In this regard, he added, the conditions for Armenia are much softer than those for some other trade partners of Russia.

The Minister said that issue of transfer of any energy facilities to Iran has not been discussed, too.

“We sold energy facilities to Russia, and did not concede in exchange for a better price on gas. That did not happen. The discussions with the Iranian side also took place. If you remember, the Iranian side has been proposed to buy the fifth unit of Hrazdan thermal power plant. But our partners found unprofitable to invest in it,” he added.

During the last week’s press conference, Iranian Ambassador said nothing prevents his country from selling gas to friendly states and other countries at different rates.