Trans-Caspian pipeline may be construction in 2012-2016, Svante Cornell says

He said unlike previous ones this visit has been more covered by Russian media and this is natural. According to him, Azerbaijan's refusing to buy Russian gas and supplying Georgia with gas made Russia come in terms with the independent policy of Baku.

Svante Cornell underscored expansion of Azerbaijan's diplomatic and diaspora activities and strengthening of its position in the United States, saying establishment of a consulate in Los Angeles is a good example for this progress.

"California is the biggest state and the largest economy in the Unites States. Here hosts both Azeri and Armenian diasporas. Opening an official representative office in California was a historical move, I think," he said.

He added that the energy security memorandum signed between Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will pave the way for delivery of the Middle Asia gas to Europe and the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline project will likely be implemented in 2012-2016.

He said ten year earlier many were pessimistic about Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline project while this project came true and became the symbol of the region. APA