Europe has serious doubts about the realization of the Nabucco pipeline project, RIA Novosti reports.
Bekhrooz Abdolvand, coordinator of the center for economic and ecological studies of the Free University of Berlin, says that he doubts the realization of the project in the current political conditions. The main obstacle is the unresolved status of the Caspian Sea and partial orientation of Turkmenistan towards the Chinese gas market. Such a state of affairs does not allow construction of the Trans-Caspian pipeline. Abdolvand proposed integration of a Russian and European project on transport of Central Asian gas to Europe.
Claudia Kemfert, head of the section for energy, transport and environment of the German Institute for the Economy, supports the idea. She believes that Azerbaijan cannot fully support the Nabucco project alone. No wonder one of the main participants of Nabucco is Germany’s RWE, which is holding active talks with Gazprom. Another problem is formation of gas transit deals. Azerbaijan and Turkey are the main subjects of the problem.
Finances are the main reason for the dragging out of a deal between Turkey and Azerbaijan, Rasim Musabekov, Azerbaijani political analyst and MP, said in an interview with Vestnik Kavkaza. Turkey is a much closer state to Azerbaijan than Ukraine or Belarus towards Russia. Turkey wants cheaper gas and income from transit, like Ukraine. Azerbaijan has benefits, such as the EU, which Turkey strives to join. Thus, Turkey has to adjust its position according to the common rules of Europe.
The expert noted that another aspect is disagreements arising. Turkey insists on settlement of disagreements using its own legal systems. Azerbaijan insists on English, Swiss or Swedish laws.
Azerbaijan has alternative routes for gas transport, such as the AGRI pipeline.
