Lukashenko fires back at Pashinyan, disputes his gas transit claims

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has cast doubt on statements by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan regarding prospects for new gas transit routes through Armenia, according to Belarusian media.

“Recently I heard Pashinyan say: ‘Pipelines will pass through us, and we will be paid in gas. There will be plenty of gas and money.’ Listen, when will that even happen — that’s the question,” Lukashenko said.

“People don’t go into the details. Where would these pipelines come from? I would like to know why he is misleading his people. What pipelines, from where, who will supply this gas, and what money will there be?” he added.

The Belarusian leader also noted that Armenia currently receives Russian gas without export duties at a price of about $150–160 per thousand cubic meters, while in the EU the cost is $550–650. According to him, this difference alone demonstrates a significant advantage for Armenia.

By Jeyhun Aghazada