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Iranian ambassador: Heads of Caspian states will make the important issues clear in Tehran summit

11 October 2007 14:18 (UTC +04:00)

- Mr. Ambassador, according to the some politiciansâ€™ forecasts, the summit of heads of Caspian states scheduled for October 16 will be formal. No serious improvement will be achieved concerning the status of the Caspian Sea. Do you agree with it?
- Heads of Caspian states will meet on October 16 in Tehran and discuss the issues on the Caspianâ€™s status. Tehran summit is the manifestation of great will. But some biased persons do not want to see such positive events. I would like to note that the summit will make the important issues clear. We will witness the activities of heads of littoral states, foreign ministers and specialists in this field.
- What issues have been included into the agenda of the summit?
- The issue on the Caspianâ€™s status is not considered in one context, transportation of energy resources, ecology, energy cooperation and even security-related issues have been included here. I think that all these issues will be discussed in Tehran summit.
- The presidents are expected to sign a joint declaration in the summit. Has the text of the declaration been coordinated?
- According to the protocol, these issues are considered on the level of foreign ministry experts. Some activities have been carried out in this field and the work continues.
- What is Iranâ€™s position on the Caspianâ€™s status? Does official Tehran favor distribution of the Caspian into 20%?
- Iran has appointed a high-level representative on this issue. Mehdi Safari, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister, special envoy for Caspian Sea affairs deals with these issues from Iranian side. As far as I know, both sides are discussing the issues related to the Caspian Sea constructively, activities are being carried out on all aspects â€“ ecology, just use of the Caspian etc.
- Bilateral meetings will be probably held in the framework of Tehran meeting. Can energy cooperation be the theme of debate during these meetings? Will debates be carried out on Iranâ€™s position on US and Russiaâ€™s joint use of Gabala radar?
- Having bilateral meetings depend on the intention of the sides. Such meetings can be held any time. As to the question on Gabala radar, I think that if establishments like Gabala had been of great importance, former Soviet system would not have collapsed. As to my thoughts, Azerbaijan will understand disadvantageousness of the station when exploitation period of the station expires, will destruct it, stop its activity. I have said it in my previous interviews. But my thoughts were presented as if I said that Russia will destruct this station. I would never say such expressions. Azerbaijan is an independent country and no state can interfere in the works and property of Azerbaijan. I want to say that Iran is under blockade for already several years. And America carries out this policy. But this policy harms them most of all, as they devoid their companies of cooperation with Iranian companies. Naturally, this policy pursued against Iran has negative impact on our country. Islamic Republic of Iran attaches great importance to cooperation in energy field, cooperates with free and independent states, even establishes relations with several American companies.
- What is Iranâ€™s position on the transportation of Caspian energy resources to Europe?
- We regard that the most useful and shortest way from economic and ecological point of view passes through Iran. Of course, there are also other projects which are distinguished with high prices. But Iran regards that such projects can be a threat for Caspian ecology. The best variant is to transport energy deliveries to Turkey and Europe through Iran.
- Do several states influence region countries and is it reflected on the issue regarding the status of Caspian?
- I am sure that no any state can harm development of bilateral relations between Iran and Azerbaijan. The two states seriously approach towards this issue. Iran and Azerbaijan realize their benefits and advantages well. I do not believe that any forces can influence on Azerbaijan soon. /APA/