US supports new corridor for Caspian gas supplies to Europe
The United States support the idea of construction of a new corridor for gas supplies from the Caspian region to
Europe, Richard Morningstar. Richard Morningstar, US Special Envoy on Energy Issues in Eurasia, called the absence of
an agreement between Azerbaijan and Turkey on terms of gas supplies from the Shah Deniz field to be disappointing
while meeting journalists in Washington.
"Both countries are US friends and in these negotiations we do not support anyone. But further serious delays may
close the window of opportunities for the South corridor," he said.
According to Morningstar, the United States support the idea of construction of a new corridor for supply of Caspian
gas to Europe.
"The South Energy Corridor may unite the Nabucco project and the gas pipeline between Turkey, Italy and Greece. Both
directions are strategically important for diversification of gas resources and opening of new energy routes to
Europe. The South energy corridor will be commercially profitable for theCaucasus and Central Asian countries and
also create a long-term partnership based on mutual interests with Europe," he said.
He said Washington's attention is focused on two directions: agreement between Azerbaijan and Turkey on the Shah
Deniz field and provision of gas from Central Asian and Middle Eastern countries.
"But the South Corridor concept will turn out not viable if the countries that will get main preferences in its
implementation do not reach commercially expedient and mutually profitable agreement on provisions of the gas
transportation," Richard Morningstar said.
He welcomed the interest displayed by the Iraqi government to Nabucco. He also urged the Turkmen leadership to raise
its gas supplies implying this very project.
Meanwhile, the US special envoy ruled out possibility for Iran's participation in the project.