YEREVAN — Several countries have expressed interest in participating in the TRIPP project, but any third-party investment involvement will be determined jointly by Armenia and the United States, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said.
Responding to a question from Azatutyun, Pashinyan said the agreement governing TRIPP clearly provides that third parties may become involved with the consent of both Armenia and the United States.
“Various countries are showing interest, but we also need to discuss the details. The investment volume is large, but it is not unlimited. We need to understand who is proposing what investment project and select the best one,” Pashinyan said.
TRIPP is a joint Armenian-American project. Yerevan and Washington have agreed that during the first 49 years of the joint TRIPP development venture, the United States will hold a 74 percent stake and Armenia 26 percent. If the partnership is extended for another 50 years, Armenia’s share would increase to 49 percent.
The Armenia-U.S. strategic agreement concerning TRIPP is currently undergoing the ratification process. Armenia’s Constitutional Court must first determine whether the agreement complies with the Constitution. If the court issues a favorable ruling, the document will then be sent to parliament for ratification.
The Constitutional Court’s decision is expected on September 15.