The United States, Washington, July 16 / Trend , N.Bogdanova/
"The United States believe in the important role of Azerbaijan in supplying energy resources to Europe," Special Envoy of the US on energy issues Richard Morningstar told Trend .
Commenting of the recent Ankara document, he says that "The document signed in Ankara this week will raise the confidence between the Nabuco potential partners, including Azerbaijan".
Morningstar does not think that the contract between Azerbaijan and Russia on gas supplies signed previously can be an obstacle for the implementation of the Nabuco project.
Special Envoy says that there is a new period starting in the region, and a healthy competition is one of its main distinctive features.
Morningstar also pointed out that Washington is looking forward to the negotiations between Turkey and Azerbaijan on gas issues, particularly on how much gas is Turkey able to buy from Azerbaijan.
Special Envoy R. Morningstar was representing US together with Senator Lugar at the ceremony of assignment of a Nabuco project in Ankara, Turkey earlier this week.
Nabucco project worth €7.9 billion envisages gas supply from the Caspian region to EU countries. Participants of the project include Austrian OMV, Hungarian MOL, Bulgarian Bulgargaz, Romanian Transgaz, Turksih Botas and German RWE. Each of participants has equal share to the amount of 16.67 percent.
Construction of gas pipeline was scheduled for 2011. The first supplies will be launched in 2014. Maximal capacity of pipeline will hit 31 billion cubic meters of per year.
"Open season" process - receiving of bids for filling pipeline up will occur after signing of the inter-governmental agreement. The investment solution is expected to be adopted in the first quarter of 2010.