Azeri-Turkish gas transit deal ‘stalling over legal issues’
BAKU – The signing of a deal on the transit of Azerbaijani natural gas via Turkey is stalling due to the two countries’ failing to iron out legal issues so far, an official of Azerbaijan’s state energy firm Socar has said.
Vagif Aliyev did not give details of the ongoing talks but said Azerbaijan and Turkey have no differences on economic issues, including transit fees.
As for Turkey’s conditions, Aliyev said the state-run pipeline company Botas has sought a share in gas transport projects.
"They have expressed their interest, but did not elaborate what they want exactly. We told them that if they have the interest, experience and funds, we could look into their aspirations."
President Ilham Aliyev told the opening of the Caspian oil and gas exhibition in Baku on Tuesday that Azerbaijan was "in the final stage" of talks with Turkey on gas transit, which have been underway for a year. He voiced hope that a relevant agreement will be signed soon, and all obstacles in the way of transporting Azerbaijani gas to world markets will be removed.
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