Tony Blair becomes Azerbaijani gas advisor

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has appointed British ex-Prime Minister Tony Blair as an advisor of the consortium transporting Azerbaijani gas to Europe. Hans-Dietrich Genscher, a German ex-minister of foreign affairs, Peter Sutherland, the chairman of Goldman Sachs International and ex-executive director of BP, are some of his colleagues.The consultative group will help resolve political, economic, ecological and social problems that Shah-Deniz-2, TANAP and TAP may face. BP believes that there could be certain economic disputes because the South Corridor will run through 7 states.Blair took part in foundation of a methanol factory in Azerbaijan in December 2009. It was built by businessman Nasib Piriyev and his son Nizami Piriyev using a loan granted by the EBRD. Blair received over $255,000 for his speech at the ceremony, provoking criticism from British human rights activists.Blair’s appointment was preceded by a closed-door meeting with Prince Andrew and BP Executive Director Robert Dudley at the Buckingham Palace and a visit of British Minister of State for Energy Michael Fallon to Baku.

The consultative group will help resolve political, economic, ecological and social problems that Shah-Deniz-2, TANAP and TAP may face. BP believes that there could be certain economic disputes because the South Corridor will run through 7 states.

Blair took part in foundation of a methanol factory in Azerbaijan in December 2009. It was built by businessman Nasib Piriyev and his son Nizami Piriyev using a loan granted by the EBRD. Blair received over $255,000 for his speech at the ceremony, provoking criticism from British human rights activists.

Blair’s appointment was preceded by a closed-door meeting with Prince Andrew and BP Executive Director Robert Dudley at the Buckingham Palace and a visit of British Minister of State for Energy Michael Fallon to Baku.