Azernews.Az

EU Energy Commissioner Gunther Oettinger has welcomed the signing of agreement between Turkey and Azerbaijan for the transit and sale of gas, neurope.eu reported.

Oettinger emphasised the importance of the deal for the EU, as the gas transiting Turkey will also beneficial for the EU citizens. "The European Commission will stick to the terms of its agreement with Azerbaijan; we want to see sufficient dedicated pipeline capacity, sufficient to cover all physical trades, linking Azerbaijan to Europe," he said.

The commissioner underlined the importance of the rule of law and said: "We want to see these pipelines operating within a strong legal framework compatible with international law."

Gas from Azerbaijan will be distributed throughout the EU's internal market. However, pipeline options have not yet been selected and four options are being assessed: ITGI, TAP, SEEP and the EU leg of Nabucco. The Commission has stressed out that whichever option is eventually chosen, there must be mechanisms to allow for supply of new gas from Turkmenistan, once gas from that source is ready.