The Armenian government continues to work with its colleagues on the Russian side; in particular, first of all, to carry out work with their engagement on the Yeraskh and Akhurik sections of the railway. Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Davit Khudatyan told this to a press briefing Friday—and regarding the question of whether the restoration of two aforesaid sections of the Armenian railway will be carried out by Russia, or another scenario was being considered.

“My impression is that at least regarding those two sections, we [i.e. Armenia] have a certain understanding with the Russian side and will reach a certain agreement. I believe we will have an answer to that in the coming days. If it turns out that they [i.e. Russia] do it much better, we will go that way. If some issues interfere—although my understanding is that there should be no issues that interfere, at least in terms of Yeraskh and Akhurik—in that case, if such circumstances arise, the Armenian government itself will restore the railway in the mentioned sections, because this is one of the important points of the logic of de-blockade, in which direction we are moving,” Khudatyan added.

And to the question whether the Russian side will make the respective investment, the territorial administration and infrastructure minister of Armenia gave a positive answer.

“If it will be with the first option I said, yes. My impression, which I have received as a result of the work processes, is that we are close to reaching an agreement on this matter. But since it’s about two parties, let me not get ahead of myself. And when the time comes, an announcement will be made about it. If the Russian side does [it], then the Russian side will do [it]. If not, then the government of the Republic of Armenia will do it. Our ministry is also included in the negotiations. My deputy, Mr. [Armen] Simonyan, who coordinates the transport sector, is having active discussions with his Russian colleagues in this regard,” Davit Khudatyan said.