Armenian political scientist: The US is constructing  a modular  nuclear power plant in Armenia  to shutter the Metsamor Nuclear Power  Plant

ArmInfo. Whether the US will build a modular nuclear power plant in Armenia remains a big question, but the goal of these discussions is to shutter the  existing Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant, a goal Azerbaijan and Turkey have been pursuing for over 30 years.  Political scientist Karen Igityan wrote  on his Facebook page, in response to the Vice President's statement following talks with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan about  investments of approximately $9 billion in nuclear energy.

The expert said that Armenia will have to pay the US $5 billion plus  $4 billion if the modular nuclear power plant is built. "This is in  addition to the $7 billion national debt already accumulated under  Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's administration," Igityan  noted.

Also, Igityan expressed his doubts on Firebird, the company linked to  the project. Led by Razmik Hovakimyan, the firm reportedly had a  turnover of just $300,000 last year-a figure the expert finds  irreconcilable with a multi-billion dollar nuclear infrastructure  deal. He further warned that Armenia risks becoming a "testing  ground" for modular technology that the U.S. has yet to deploy  domestically.

The political scientist also commented on statements regarding the  Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP). He  recalled that during his visit, the US Vice President had mentioned  seeking investors for TRIPP in the region. The expert questioned who  in the region is interested in controlling TRIPP and who has the  money for it. "Of course, Azerbaijan, which has recently signed an  agreement with Black Rock, the largest American investment fund. The  topic of the agreement? Investments in infrastructure. Azerbaijan,  through Black Rock and Global Infrastructure Partners, can indirectly  join TRIPP. On the surface, there will be an American investor,  behind it will be Azerbaijan and its SOCAR," Igityan concluded.