YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 1, NOYAN TAPAN. The European Union did not give up its condition that it will invest 100 million euros for increasing Armenia's energy capacities before the closure of the Armenian nuclear power plant until donors are found to make investments for this purpose. Karen Chshmaritian, RA Minister of Trade and Economic Development, Co-chairman of the EU-Armenia Cooperation Council, stated this during the October 31 press conference. Responding to NT correspondent's question, he said that the EU is consistent in the issue of convening a conference of donors for this aim. According to K. Chshmaritian, the RA Ministry of Energy is also consistent in the implementation of this plan. "I think we'll soon hear about it," he noted. In his words, the Ministry of Energy has developed some programs on enhancing the country's energy capacities before the closure of the Armenian nuclear power plant (ANPP). He assured that the EU will continue providing funds for increasing the safety of the nuclear power plant. These funds are included in the ANPP's budget. The minister said that the EU will continue assisting Armenia with its programs on use of alternative energy sources. In particular, the opportunities of using the geothermal energy in the south of Armenia are now being explored. At the October 25 meeting of the EU-Armenia Cooperation Council in Brussels, an agreement was reached to continue the cooperation for securiing the safety of the Armenian nuclear power plant and using alternative energy sources in Armenia.

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