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ARMENIA IS READY TO ASSIST IRAQI RECONSTRUCTION AS FAR AS POSSIBLE

Politics

Comments of Hamlet Gasparyan, Press Secretary of Armenian Foreign Affairs Ministry, on participation of Armenia in Iraqi reconstruction projects.

Question: ”Armenia’s media outlets have offered varying interpretations on the fact that Armenia is not included in the list of countries able to compete for Iraqi reconstruction projects. It is even said that because Armenia’s position vis-à-vis the Iraqi crisis was “reserved” Armenia lost millions of dollars. What is your explanation?”

Answer: The US government has decided that only those countries which unreservedly cooperated with and assisted the US in the Iraq crisis, and joined the coalition, should be allowed to participate in the tenders to implement projects which are being paid for by US funds.

Armenia shared the US position on the Saddam Hussein regime, but had adopted a more reserved stance in this matter. This was informed by a concern not to endanger the security of the Armenian communities in Iraq and the Middle East. The US understood this concern.

At the same time, Armenia has always come forward in favor of establishing peace and stability in Iraq, and expressed a readiness to participate in so far as it is able. Armenia has already announced that it is prepared to send military medical personnel, de-miners, and other support staff to Iraq. The Armenian side is currently negotiating the technical aspects of this plan.

On the other hand, not participating at this stage of the tenders’ process does not close the doors before us. The current bidding refers to the first contracts, and the likelihood of winning them is low even for those countries which are on the list. On the contrary, Armenian companies can in the future have the opportunity to participate in profitable contracts as subcontractors. This is currently under discussion with the US and we are hopeful that the results will be positive. Further, the Iraq reconstruction process is broad and the US welcomes international participation.