Russia Opposes Caspian Pipeline Construction

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister and special presidential envoy for Caspian affairs, Victor Kalyuzhny, stated that Russia is averse to construction of trans-Caspian pipelines. According to Kalyuzhny, "uncontrolled construction of trans-Caspian pipelines may lead to problems."

Kalyuzhny explained that there is high seismic activeness registered in the Caspian region. The trans-Caspian pipelines may also harm the biological resources and environment of the Caspian Sea.

According to Kalyuzhny, such initiatives should be strictly coordinated with all Caspian countries from the standpoint of environmental safety.