YEREVAN. – Today we learned that there are already real steps in connection with the Nairit plant. The Islamic Republic of Iran is quite interested in the Nairit plant, they were in the plant a week ago, and it is envisaged that the Iranian company shall conduct a technical and financial audit at the plant. Former Nairit director Karen Israelyan said this in a conversation with journalists today, during the shut-down Nairit’s workers’ protest in front of the government of Armenia.

According to Israelyan, the main demand for their demonstration outside the government building not only to re-launch Nairit, but also that they are concerned that steps are being taken that may hinder the Iranian side.

"There are incidents taking place at the plant that are very likely to hinder this investment program, the Iranian side's negotiations," he added. “Today the plant owes about 100 million drams, 80 million of which are national debts. If the state can cede its debt in connection with the investment, it cannot [cede] the people's wage debt; it must be paid. It has to be paid by either the state or the investor."

And according to Vahagn Chakhalyan, coordinator of the Kamq initiative, one of their main demands is that nothing more be sold from the plant.

In his words, they will gather in front of the government building on the last Friday of each month, and will voice their concerns until the government takes appropriate action.