Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has explained why the matter of selling the South Caucasus Railway (SCR) company of Armenia is urgent, but not that urgent.

At Thursday’s press briefing, the Armenian premier was asked why, if there is an offer to buy the SCR for $400 million and the latter exceeds the amount of the assumed fine for early termination of the SCR’s current concession management agreement with Russia, Yerevan is not going to the deal.

In response, Pashinyan spoke about the restoration of Armenia’s Akhuryan-Yeraskh railway section and active discussions. According to him, the aforementioned figure was voiced verbally, and in general, since it takes time to restore Armenia’s Gyumri-Ararat road, the matter of selling the SCR is urgent, but not that urgent.

Responding to the question about the participation of third countries, in particular Kazakhstan, in the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) regional transport project, Pashinyan reminded that participation in this project is clearly limited and assumes that it is possible only with the consent of the US and Armenia.

“Third countries are showing interest. We welcome this, but it should be discussed in a substantive manner. The investment amount is large, but not unlimited. There is a need to know who is offering what investment program and select the best one,” the Armenian prime minister stated.