The officials emphasized that the pipeline would not become a conduit for Iranian gas.

It has a capacity to pump 2.3-2.5 billion cubic meters of Iranian gas per year.

In 2009 Armenia was importing 1-1.5 million cubic meters of Iranian natural gas, paying for this by electricity exports.

Armenia began receiving modest amounts of Iranian gas in May 2009.

Also, a Defense Intelligence Agency report indicates that Iranian gas might have killed the Kurds.

Under a 25-year swap contract signed between the two countries in August 2004, the new pipeline will supply the region with Iranian natural gas.

Details of the arrangement, which could send Iranian gas through Azerbaijan to Georgia as soon as Sunday, were limited.

Switzerland will buy 5.5 billion cubic meters of Iranian natural gas each year, beginning in 2011.

"Our position on any investments in Iranian gas and oil fields is clear," he said.

In addition to a pipeline that will bring Iranian natural gas into Armenia.