Azerbaijan, Baku / corr Trend S.Aliyev / The Russian Federation's current conditions for Azerbaijan vessels to pass into Russia's internal waters are unfavourable towards Azerbaijan. This position was explained by the head of the State Marine Administration of Azerbaijan, Gudret Gurbanov during the meeting of the CIS Council of State Administrative Sea and River Transport, held in St.-Petersburg.
Every quarter Russia allots quotas for the passage of Azerbaijani vessels via its internal waters. In 2006, Russia issued sixteen permits for Azerbaijan, however only ten vessels could pass.
At present, vessels sailing under the Azerbaijani flag pay Russia $35,000-50,000 for passage to another bank.
"The problems that the vessels functioning under the Azerbaijani flag face while passing via the Russian internal water, could be avoided through signing an agreement between the Azerbaijan Government and the Russian Federation on order and terms of passage of Azerbaijani vessels via Russia's internal waters," a statement by Azerbaijan emphasizes.
This document could assist in regulating all procedures linked with operations via the water routes of Russia while preventing any type of disagreements appearing to as a result of dishonest employees of different administrations and routes for functioning of Azerbaijani vessels, as well as on the part of crews of these vessels.
Unfortunately, the signing of an agreement ratified between the sides in 1994 is still delayed due to unknown reasons. "We would like the talks over the agreement to be restored and the agreement to be signed. The implementation of the document will promote further strengthening of economic relations between the two friendly countries.
A positive resolution was found in the development of the routes Caspian Sea - Volga Don Channel - Azov Sea - Black Sea - and Dunay, and the establishment of conditions for stimulating shipping and simplification of procedures for free passage via internal waters. The meeting also considered the development of international transport corridors, efficient cooperation of CIS countries in the transportation sphere, and development of internal sea routes.
It was noted that Azerbaijan is one of leading countries which joined over twenty Conventions and Protocols of the International Marine Organizations (IMO). The country has also taken the most active work regarding the International Marine Administration over the shortest period.
Azerbaijan was offered to participate in the CIS Council of State Administrative Sea and River Transport. Further, it is planned to consider Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, and Belarus' participation.