ECONOMY
USA BELIEVES NABUCCO PIPELINE STRONGLY NEEDS AZERI GAS
Ankara, 2 December (AZERTAC). The United States believes the Nabucco pipeline strongly needs Azerbaijan`s natural gas, Richard Morningstar, U.S. Special Envoy for Eurasian Energy Issues, told a news conference here after his meeting with Turkey`s energy and natural resources minister Taner Yildiz.
Noting that the question was widely discussed with the Turkish minister, the diplomat added that any progress in the discussions between Turkey and Azerbaijan on the question of natural gas price and transit expenses pleases Washington, who stands ready to promote the item. At the same time, the agreement is specifically should be agreed by Ankara and Baku.
The United States wish much the Iraqi gas to be transported through Nabucco pipeline, Richard Morningstar underlined. As to participation of Iran in the Nabucco project, the Ambassador said it would only be possible if Iran refrained from the country`s nuclear program.
Taner Yildiz said the sides exchanged views on the energy issues to be discussed during the coming visit of the Turkish Premier to Washington. Ankara attaches great importance to this question, he emphasized.