Ukrainian, Azeri foreign ministers discuss oil transport, ethnic conflict
October 24, 2001 10:58pm
Text of report by Ukrainian Novyy Kanal television on 17 October
[Presenter: Ivanna Nayda] The Ukrainian delegation has finished talks in Azerbaijan on the possibility of transporting Caspian oil through Ukraine to Europe. The official visit by Ukrainian diplomats is part of a tour to three countries: Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia. Tetyana Vysotska reports on the first results of negotiations.
[Correspondent] Ukrainian diplomats held talks on Caspian oil for the Ukrainian oil pipeline for two days. But despite statements by Azeri officials, no clear date has been set as to when the nearly finished Odessa-Brody pipeline will be started.
Foreign Minister Anatoliy Zlenko said at the airport that he expected an intensive economic agenda. His Azeri counterpart, Vilayat Quliyev, said after the talks that the question of supplying Caspian oil through the Ukrainian pipeline had been almost settled. Azeri President Heydar Aliyev also showed that he was ready to cooperate. However, the Azeri state oil company hinted that there are enough orders for Caspian oil and that Ukraine should interest the oil company with attractive low prices.
The Ukrainian foreign minister also proposed diplomatic services for the talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia on the conflict in Nagornyy Karabakh.
[Anatoliy Zlenko] We are ready to provide a venue to continue dialogue to resolve the conflict using peaceful political means.
[Correspondent] Prospects for technical and transport cooperation were also discussed during the visit. Azerbaijan was interested in buying Ukrainian aircraft and vessels on leasing conditions. Anatoliy Zlenko also proposed that the function of the GUUAM [Georgia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Moldova] be redirected to fighting terrorism. Ukraine advised Azerbaijan to be prepared to receive refugees from Afghanistan. |
