Kazakhstan, Astana, April 6 / Trend D.Mukhtarov /
The laying of submarine pipelines between the Caspian states has nothing to do with the question of the status of the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Khalaf Khalafov who is participating in the meeting of the Council of CIS Foreign Ministers, held in Astana told Trend on Friday.
"This issue [of Trans-Caspian pipelines] is not related to the legal status of the Caspian Sea. The EU supports the implementation of the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline. And I think that if all parties show determination, the project will be implemented," said Khalafov.
In this case, according to Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, implementation of the pipeline between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan is more dependent on the position of Ashgabat, as the project is designed primarily for Turkmen gas.
If Turkmenistan shows determination and desire, and turns to Azerbaijan, Baku is ready to provide its transit capabilities, Khalafov said.
Trans-Caspian gas pipeline running to around 300 kilometres will be laid from the Turkmen coast of the Caspian Sea to Azerbaijani, where it will be linked to the Southern Gas Corridor.
The Southern Gas Corridor is one of the priority energy projects for the EU. It is designed to diversify the routes and sources of supply and thereby increase the energy security of the EU.
Southern Gas Corridor includes Nabucco, Trans-Adriatic pipeline (TAP) and ITGI.
In September 2011, the EU Council gave a mandate for negotiations between the EU, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan to build the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline.
During negotiations with Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, the EU will discuss agreements outlining the legal obligations of the parties necessary for Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan for the construction and operation of the Trans-Caspian pipeline. Also on the agenda will be the legal framework to be applied to the issue of filling the gas pipeline from Turkmenistan including the recognition of commercial agreements.