Government Ponders Development Plan For Meghri

[Guest]

Government Ponders Development Plan For Meghri

 

YEREVAN (RFE/RL)--The government moved on Thursday to underscore its commitment to

Armenia's southeastern Meghri district, discussing a package of measures to spur economic recovery

in the strategically important area bordering on Iran, which has been an object of speculations about

a possible land swap with Azerbaijan.

 

The issue topped the agenda of the cabinet session, with ministers debating a comprehensive

program on job creation and social security in Meghri. The program was drafted under the previous

prime minister, Aram Sargsyan. The current premier, Andranik Markarian, said it needs further

discussions in corresponding ministries which should then come up with "concrete ways of its

realization" and sources of funding.

 

Over the last several months President Robert Kocharian has been accused by his political

opponents of preparing to cede Meghri to Azerbaijan in return for international recognition of

Armenian sovereignty over Nagorno-Artsax. Officials have said the idea was last year floated by

some international mediators, but they rejected it out of hand. The government initiative to improve

living conditions in the economically depressed district aims to disprove critics' claims. Sandwiched

between Azerbaijan and its Nakhichevan exclave, Meghri is Armenia's sole overland link with Iran,

cementing close ties between the two countries.

 

As part of its economic package, Markarian's cabinet gave the official go-ahead for the opening of a

wholesale and retail market near the main crossing point on the Iranian border. The market will enjoy

a more favorable trade regime. Armenian firms wishing to do business there will have to be

registered in Meghri.

[Guest]

DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR MEGHRI

The problems of Meghri remain in the focus of the Government which is considering a program to solve those problems. Today members of the Government have discussed the measures which will have to be taken for encouraging the education, health, and communications in the marz.