Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan can make Trans-Caspian pipeline decision on their own - Baku
BAKU. Dec 6 (Interfax) - A decision on building the Trans-Caspian pipeline should be made by Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan within the framework of their sovereign rights, Azeri Deputy Foreign Minister Khalaf Khalafov said at the International Caspian Forum in Istanbul.
The successful implementation of the oil strategy of Azeri national leader Heydar Aliyev transformed Azerbaijan into a gas exporter, he said. The construction of the Trans-Anatolian pipeline across Turkey will contribute to gas export to Europe, Khalafov said.
"The trans-Caspian gas pipeline is particularly topical. Supporters and opponents are heatedly debating this project. But a decision about the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline should be made within the framework of sovereign rights of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, which is also permitted by international legal norms. We are ready to contribute to the revitalization of this project," Khalafov said.
Speaking of negotiations on the legal status of the Caspian Sea, he said, there have been significant changes in the positions of Caspian countries and steps have been taken to reconcile them.
"Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Russia have agreed on the division of the Caspian Sea bed. Hopefully, the agreements will also be reached with Iran and Turkmenistan under international laws and practice," he said.
The Trans-Caspian project envisages the laying of a pipeline from Turkmenistan to Azerbaijan across the Caspian Sea for delivering Turkmen gas to Europe. The project is actively supported by the European Union and the United States.
Iran and Russia oppose the project. They think that such decisions should be made by all the Caspian states.
