Azerbaijan, Baku / Trend / Implementation of the project on the South Gas Supply Corridor will enable Azerbaijani gas to enter Europe and will provide for a healthy rivalry with Russian gas supplies to the European countries, the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Matthew Bryza, stated in Baku on 2 August.
Gas transportation through the South Corridor will make Russia act within a competitive environment. "However, competition does not imply confrontation. The environment should enable all sides to compete," Bryza said. Implementation of the project will be of great importance both for Caspian countries and Europe.
According to Bryza, transportation of Turkmenistan's gas via Iran to Turkey and onwards to Europe is not efficient either from a commercial, geographical, or technical standpoint due to high transportation costs.
"As for the political side of the issue, the United States tries to restrict international economic cooperation of the world's community with Iran due to Iran's nuclear enrichment program," Bryza said.
The volumes of Turkmenistan's gas to be transported via Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Greece to Italy, or through the NABUCCO project will not be less than the volumes of possible transportation via Iran to Turkey and onwards to Europe. "Transportation of gas via Azerbaijan will be more economically efficient," Bryza noted.