Armenia's statements on the need to cede the concession management of the South Caucasus Railway (SCR) CJSC seem strange, said deputy secretary of the Russian Security Council, Aleksey Shevtsov, TASS reports.

"Especially strange are Yerevan's statements that the management of the SCR allegedly causes ‘competitive losses’ for the republic, as well as the proposals to cede the concession to third countries," Shevtsov added.

As per Shevtsov, the aforesaid concession agreement was signed on the most favorable terms for the Armenian side.

“According to preliminary estimates, potential buyers of the concession will have to pay at least $250 million for the redemption of rights and compensation, spend about $40 million annually on operating expenses, invest about $400 million in the restoration of the destroyed section of Ijevan and another $200 million for the Vanadzor-Fioletovo section. In addition, about $40 million will be required for the restoration of the border sections with Turkey and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic,” he noted.

“Moreover, the amount of freight transportation through the Armenian railway network has not been confirmed, and its growth potential is unknown, while in the event of Armenia’s withdrawal from the EAEU, they will certainly decrease,” Shevtsov added.

He noted, however, that the theory can always be tested in practice.

At the same time, it is not ruled out that the results will exceed expectations, and Armenia's socioeconomic losses as a result of secession from the EAEU will be greater, the deputy secretary of the Russian Security Council added.