Sabit Baghirov: "BTC security measures should be strengthened even in Azerbaijan"

- After an investigation the Turkish officials said the explosion at the Turkish section of the BTC pipeline, earlier attributed to PKK terrorist organization, was man-caused. Anyway, this incident caused serious concerns about the security of this pipeline, which is of global importance, especially following the recent events in South Ossetia. Do you consider it necessary to take any additional measures for BTC security?

- Undoubtedly, the recent events create concerns. Moreover, they are supposed to continue in a larger scale, which causes real concerns. Therefore, I consider that the management of BTC consortium and the governments of the transit countries should review security measures for their strengthening. Probably, it will require consultations with other countries.

We should do everything possible to settle the pipeline's security problems, which may require additional expenses. But what should we do? This is a price of reducing risks of losses, which we are now witnessing at the Turkish section of the pipeline.

- We have spoken of the threats to the pipeline, passing the territories of Georgia and Turkey. Is there a threat to Azerbaijani section of the pipeline? We have a hot spot in our territory as well, while Armenians have repeatedly stated the direct threat to BTC in case of war resumption and possible spread of military actions area.

- We can speak of different levels of possibility of terror acts and direct military attacks, which we are now witnessing in Georgia. By the recent information, provided by Georgian officials, BTC was attacked by Russian air forces. Fortunately, the pilot appeared not to be too experienced.

In Azerbaijan the possibility of such threats seems lower than in the neighbor countries. In Turkey we are witnessing PKK terror acts, which have become more frequent. Georgia is in a state of war and neighbor Russia has gone far beyond its peacekeeping mission in South Ossetia and its air forces are bombing strategic objects in Poti, Marneuli and other places. Though all these events did not occur in our country, Azerbaijani officials should also take due measures. I think the country's government will review the complex of BTC security measures and strengthen them.

- Is it enough to take these measures on the national level or should they be held in the centralized order in line with all the participating states?  

- They should be taken conjointly, as all these measures should be coordinated not only between the transit-states, but also with other participants of the project.

- Is it necessary to attract foreign specialists in the sphere of security to protection of pipelines and other hydrocarbons transit projects or the participating states can cope with it independently?

- Consultations with foreign specialists on this issue are possible and I do not rule them out. I would say that they are expedient. It is necessary to remember that Azerbaijan is not so experienced in ensuring security of international pipelines. There are countries, which have a significant experience. Therefore, I will not be surprised if foreign specialists are attracted to ensuring BTC security.

/Day.Az/