May 22, 2013 - 13:35 AMT
U.S. envoy to Azerbaijan: energy projects unrelated to Karabakh

“The role of Turkey and Azerbaijan in the diversification of energy resources and global energy security is increasing, the US ambassador to Azerbaijan said, according to APA.

As Richard Morningstar further noted, the two countries’ creating a bridge between the West and the East could be introduced as a model.

“Azerbaijan has provided the delivery of energy resources to the West via alternative routes. Azerbaijan plays a critical role in increasing alternative supplies for NATO allies.

Next month we expect the Shah Deniz consortium to make a decision on the final additional pipeline route to brig Azerbaijani gas to Europe. The United States is neutral on which pipeline project the Consortium chooses even the Trans-Adriatic pipeline or Nabucco west pipeline. This project will diversify Europe's gas supplies and provide scaleable means of transporting future Azerbaijani gas to Europe,” he said.

Morningstar also added that the US and Azerbaijan will further continue the dialogue.

“We are interested in the resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, but this issue has nothing to do with the implementation of energy projects. There is no need to exaggerate the role of power economy in the US foreign policy. Power economy is the most important issue, but the US considers it necessary to ensure the stability in Azerbaijan,” the envoy said.