New Trans-Caspian Pipeline talks finish

The latest round of talks on a Trans-Caspian pipeline has concluded, with no concrete results. The negotiations - between the European Commission, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan - took place in Brussels at the beginning of the month but produced no outcome beyond a confirmation that the talks occurred “in a constructive atmosphere” and “are progressing well”, according to sources speaking to local media. Conclusions “will be found when the time is right”, said a source.

The Turkmen state media service only gave a bland statement on Turkmenistan's “responsible approach to international cooperation in the energy sector." A new discussion will be held next month, again to discuss technical aspects of the pipeline.

Without a political discussion which tackles the elephant in the room – Russian and Iranian opposition – the original June deadline for the completion of talks looks increasingly unlikely.

For more news and expert analysis about the Caspian region, please see Caspian Focus.

© 2012 Menas Associates