MEGHRI (Armenpress)–The governor of the southern province of Syunik–Edward Barseghian–told visiting prime minister Markarian on Saturday that the Syunik region reported nearly four times the growth in gross production this year–which comes out to approximately 600 million drams.
He attributed this growth to resumption of operations in Agarak copper and molybdenum plant.
The growth is a result of the implementation of a government-drafted plan for development of the region which borders on Armenia–and is viewed as a region of a strategic importance.
The governor also said that opening of a border market for traders from Iran and Armenia has decreased social tension–however–the region still faces numerous problems. Markarian confirmed that construction of Iran-Armenia gas pipeline would start this year
Speaking to participants of a consultation–Markarian dismissed allegations claiming that Meghri was a subject of negotiations for a land trade option for resolving the Karabakh conflict.
Markarian also ruled out any type of surrender to Azerbaijan. He also spoke about the ongoing trial of October 27 case stressing that all branches of government were interested in the full revelation of this case.
The next stop on Markarian’s visit was the village of Lichk where he distributed land ownership certificates to 30 local farmers. He also visited a local military unit which was renamed after national hero Karekin Njdeh.