Natig Aliyev: "Turkish Botash claims BTC Co. $400m"

Official opening ceremony is expected to take place at the end of this June, the Azerbaijani Minister of Industry and Energy, Natig Aliyev told Trend.

"This is due to the work schedules of officials who will participate at the ceremony as it is planned at the highest level," the Minister said.

Turkish company Botash, involved in the construction of the part of pipeline passing through Turkey, now claims BTC Co. $400m, the Minister added. According to the company, some changes into the pipeline route were made, some delays took place, additional equipment was purchased and this all led to the increase of the cost.

According to Aliyev, Turkish company has already received $190m of credit from BTC partners, which it would yet have to return. The total length of the Turkish part of the pipeline is 1.400 km.

Some other contractors also have financial claims to BTC Co. These claims will be reviewed and in case of their authenticity they will be satisfied, the Minister said.