ALIYEV: BTC ON SCHEDULE

Baku, IAA "Trend" April 13 corr. E.Huseynov

"It is planned to put into exploitation the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan main export oil pipeline by the end of the year. The project is implemented in accord with schedule, much work has been done through investing big funds," Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who is currently visiting Turkey with an official visit, told the Turkish television channel Show-TV.

According to Aliyev, the last event in Georgia did not affect on the construction of the pipeline. "Three countries undertook a commitment to ensure security of the pipeline in its sections. All issues concerning security of the pipeline should be resolved under the commissions of the countries. No problem has evolved in this respect thus far," he stressed.

In reply to question on possible obstacles on the way of implementation of the project on the pretext of environmental protection, Aliyev said, "Today they are deprived any power of influence. Perhaps, some ecological structures are actually concerned in this connection, however, the overwhelming majority of such organizations are under influence of Armenians and there are only political motives." The President stressed that all attempts taken in an effort to prevent the implementation of the project have been failure. "Therefore they demand the pipeline to run the territory of Armenia, whereas we will never agree upon it," Aliyev underlined, alluding to a letter by the Armenian lobby to the US President to stress the necessity of the construction of an oil pipeline via the territory of Armenia.

Aliyev noted the successful development of the Shah Deniz project and plans on the construction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Erzerum gas pipeline. "Much work has also been done in this direction. I hope it would be commissioned in accord with schedule," he underscored.