BAKU: Iran may export oil products to Armenia via rail

Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
Dec 7 2004

Armenian Defense Minister Serzh Sarkisian and Iranian Ambassador to
Armenia Alirza Hagigian discussed construction of a railway connecting
Iran and Armenia last Saturday.

Sarkisian stressed that the project, which envisions exports of
Iranian oil to Armenia, is a vital issue for his country.

Also considered were issues related to regional security, the Upper
Garabagh conflict, construction of the Iran-Armenia gas pipeline and
new electricity transmission lines, as well as the planned visit by
Sarkisian to Iran, the Armenian media reported.

The Iranian ambassador said that his country is ready to assist
in teaching the Persian language in the Vazgen military school. He
also underlined that political stability and economic development in
Armenia is very important for Iran.