Monday, November 7 2016 11:33

ArmInfo. Armenian Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan says one should not link the decline in gas tariffs to the pre-election period of Armenia. 

At a press conference in Artsakh, Karapetyan said that the goal of  the given initiative of the Government is to activate the country's  economy. He added that the gas tariff reduction is due to several  factors. "Possible decline in the transit price in Georgia, given the  fact that the contract expires on January 1; alleviation of the loan  burden of Gazprom Armenia; an attempt to expand the market due to the  gas price reduction. In addition, the founder of Gazprom Armenia has  assured that it will control our financial risks for stability and  market expansion," he said.                

The Prime Minister noted that he has personally negotiated with the  company and the latter's decision stems from business logic.  Karapetyan said that he is anxious to provide business with  advantages.  "However, this should harm no company's interests," he  said.      

Karapetyan does not understand why the society links the tariff  reduction to the pre-election period. "This is not a pre-electoral  step. Even if it were such a step, what difference does it make if it  meets the interests of the country and the citizens? Moreover, the  primary goal is to activate the economy," he said. He stressed that  in fact the upcoming elections disturb the Government.       

He stressed the importance of the citizens' support, because it is  impossible to conduct serious reforms without the society's support.  When asked whether his government is temporary, Karapetyan replied,  "If I say that I will occupy this post for 6 months, will you respect  me?"  

Karapetyan stressed that he has never dreamed of becoming a prime  minister. "Did I dream of becoming a prime minister? No, I did not.  Do I want to be useful to the country? Yes, I do. Am I concerned  about the current situation? Yes, I am. Will my work be effective?  Let's wait and see," he said.     

He refused to comment on the media reports that he is going to join  the ruling Republican Party of Armenia. "If I take such a decision, I  will announce it by all means and I give the motivation," he said.