Richard Morningstar: The United States supports all projects envisaging delivery of the hydrocarbon resources of the Caspian to the world markets

 Chairman of the US-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce Stanley Escudero and other members of the chamber attended the meeting. Morningstar said he had been to Turkmenistan before coming to Azerbaijan and would leave Baku for Ankara. He said President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton were personally interested in the issues to be discussed during the visit.

Richard Morningstar also took a stance on the South Stream, Nabucco and Turkey-Greece-Italy gas pipeline projects.
“The succession of these projects is the matter of commerce. These projects are very important in terms of diversification of energy sources and strategy. These projects will have positive influence not only on Azerbaijan, but also on Turkmenistan and Iraq. We should realize that these projects arte only a part of the issue and do not completely solve the energy security problem of Europe. The United States supports all projects envisaging delivery of the hydrocarbon resources of the Caspian to the European and world markets,” he said.

American diplomat also assessed Iran’s potential to participate in these projects.
“Iran continues violating the international commitments and posing threat to peace and stability. Under these circumstances, it is early for this country to realize its gas resources within any project. In case Tehran changes its behavior, we will support Iran’s joining these projects. But it is still early for this,” he said.

/APA/