YEREVAN. – Armenian Energy Minister said Gazprom is not preventing Armenia from holding talks with other gas suppliers.

Armen Movsisyan recalled that Armenia has no legal obligation to buy gas exclusively from Gazprom.

“There are no political restrictions, too. If someone offers us cheaper gas, or we find such an opportunity on our own, we will be ready to import gas,” he told reporters on Tyesday.

Earlier this month the Minister said that Armenia is not tied by “take and pay” formula to 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.