Namdari: Iran against any trans-Caspian pipelines

Iran has argued for energy shipments from the Caspian to cross its territory, arguing that trans-Caspian routes are too costly and unsafe.

"Iran is against any trans-Caspian pipelines," said Behruz Namdari of Iran's National Gas Company, speaking at the First Caspian Economic Forum convened Sunday in Turkmenistan's resort town of Awaza near port city of Turkmenbashi.

"The construction of a trans-Caspian pipeline could inflict a serious damage to the environment," the AP cited Namadri as saying.