YEREVAN. – Armenia has no right to sell the shares of ArmRusgasprom and the Vorotan cascade without privatization program, MP Artsvik Minasyan said.

He recalled that privatization of the Vorotan cascade of hydro power plants was included in the program in early 2000s, but was excluded in 2006-2007.

“Twenty percent of ArmRusgasprom shares have never been included in the program. Then, what is the legal basis for Armenia to hold negotiations on ArmRusgasprom shares with Gazprom and with Contour Global on Vorotan cascade,” Minasyan wonders.

In reply, the Minister of Energy Armen Movsisyan said that the law does not prohibit talks on selling state assets, even if they are not included in the privatization program  

“It’s not about selling but about preliminary agreement. Well, when it comes to selling, then we will find legal justification with the help of parliament,” Minister said.