Talks over Trans-Caspian pipeline not stopped
The European Commission remains committed to the ongoing
negotiation process with both Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan on the
Trans-Caspian pipeline project, a source with the Energy Department
of the European Commission told Trend.
"In this respect, the Commission will continue its active
engagement with Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, both at the bilateral
and also at the trilateral level so that the progress in the
negotiations on the Trans-Caspian pipeline can be achieved," the
source said.
The Trans-Caspian pipeline project envisages the laying of around
300 kilometers long gas pipeline under the Caspian to the shores of
Azerbaijan. Further fuel can be transported to Turkey which has
mutual borders with European countries.
The project is regarded as the optimal option for delivering
Turkmen resources to European markets. In June 2013, a framework
agreement on cooperation in deliveries of Turkmen natural gas to
Turkey and further to Europe was signed between the governments of
Turkmenistan and Turkey.
The negotiations between the EU, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan on the
Trans-Caspian gas pipeline began in September 2011. However Russia
and Iran have always spoken against the Trans-Caspian pipeline due
to ecological issues during the pipeline's construction. The
unresolved status of the Caspian Sea has been regarded as the main
factor hindering the implementation of the project.
Recent Caspian summit held in Astrakhan has given some prospects
for the progress in negotiation over this project, and may be
considered as the step forward for the Trans-Caspian pipeline
project as well.
The European Commission welcomes the continuing dialogue among
the Caspian littoral states," a source in the commission told
Trend.
The official position of Ashgabad regarding the project is that the
consent of the countries whose territories are involved into the
project is enough to build a pipeline. Azerbaijan has repeatedly
expressed readiness to provide its territory, transit facilities
and infrastructure for realizing the project.
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