Building of gas pipeline from Iran to Syria 'unrealistic'
Construction of a gas pipeline from Iran to Syria via Iraq is unrealistic due to regional political changes, Ali Baker, expert from the International Strategic Research Organization (USAK) told Trend news agency.
He said this project is aimed at serving the political interests of Syria and Iran.
"Even if we assume that this project will begin, its completion would not happen for many years," Baker said.
In addition, the pipeline's final destination (Europe) will not benefit from the project. It would be much more beneficial for Europe to build a pipeline from Greece or Cyprus, rather than from Iran, Baker said.
"Not to mention the fact that assistance to the Assad regime in Syria is controversial. This means that the existence of this project cannot be guaranteed," Baker said.
The expert noted in regards to Lebanon, the country is currently focused on the exploration and development of its own gas fields.
Iraq, Iran and Syria's oil ministers signed a preliminary agreement on cooperation in the construction of the gas pipeline on July 25, 2011 in the southern province of Bushehr. The cost of the agreement is estimated at $10 billion.
Iraq also recently consented to the construction of a gas pipeline from Iran to Syria through its territory. The country's government authorized Oil Minister Abdul Karim Laibi to sign a framework agreement with the Iranian and Syrian oil ministers on the construction of the gas pipeline.
Iranian officials have stated that Syria will get from 20 to 25 million cubic meters of Iranian gas per day, while Iraq signed a contract with Tehran to get about 25 million cubic meters of gas per day to meet the needs of its power plants.
Gas will be extracted from a field in the Persian Gulf which Iran shares with Qatar. According to Iranian estimates, reserves at this field are estimated at 16 trillion cubic meters of gas.
Iranian officials have stated that Tehran also seeks to extend the pipeline to Lebanon and the Mediterranean region for the subsequent supply of natural gas to Europe.
The length of the gas pipeline will be 225 kilometers, and its construction will be completed by June 2013.
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