THE CHIEF OF THE GEORGIAN RAILWAY DISCUSSED THE ISSUES OF THE COOPERATION IN BAKU
BAKU.11.02.2004.MEDIA-PRESS: The Chief of the Railway Office of Georgia Mr. Levan Vashalomidze discussed issues of the bilateral cooperation during three days visit to Azerrbaijan, - it was told to the agency "Interfax-Azerbaijan" about.
BAKU.11.02.2004.MEDIA-PRESS: In 2003 the foreign debt of Azerbaijan grew up by 16.1% and made $1 bn 575 MM by January 2004.
BAKU.11.02.2004.MEDIA-PRESS: The Government of Iran has offered to Azerbaijan to use the buses made by the Iranian car plant Iran Hodro Disel within frameworks of the project of the organization of the constant bus route Baku - Iran - Nakhcivan, the officials of the Ministry of Transport of the Republic have informed to the agency "Interfax-Azerbaijan".
BAKU.11.02.2004.MEDIA-PRESS: About $70 MM from the means of the State Oil Fund will be spent for the construction of new settlements for the Azerbaijan refugees and forced migrants. The Chief of the State Committee on Refugees and Forced Migrants Mr. Ali Gasanov has declared about this.
BAKU.11.02.2004.MEDIA-PRESS: On January of this year the Azerbaijan National Agency of mine cleaning of the liberated territories (ANAMA) cleaned above 248 thou sq. m of the territory in Fizuli, Agjabedi, Khanlar and Agstafa regions of Azerbaijan from mines.
BAKU.11.02.2004.MEDIA-PRESS: The Ministry of Health of Azerbaijan plans to continue the cooperation with the UNISEF in the struggle against the infection deceases on the territory of the country, the Agency "Interfax-Azrbaijan" has been informed in this agency.
BAKU.11.02.2004.MEDIA-PRESS: The Observation Council of Iran has published the end lists of the present deputies, which should take part in the forthcoming elections.
BAKU.11.02.2004.MEDIA-PRESS: The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan has completed the underwater survey of the pipelines in the shallow water of the fields "Guneshli". As Media-Press has been informed in the SOCAR, on the base of conducted studies the decision on restoration of some pipelines and demounting of ones, which should not be restored.
BAKU.11.02.2004.MEDIA-PRESS: The company Vitol Broking has bought the first March party of the SOCAR's oil. This company had become the winner of the relevant tender. The volume of purchased oil makes 130 thou tons. The shipment is planned for March 14 - 16.
BAKU.11.02.2004.MEDIA-PRESS: The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (the SOCAR) plans the construction of the producing platform in 2005 for the development of the field "Pirallahi-2".
BAKU.11.02.2004.MEDIA-PRESS: The Iranian and Azerbaijan experts will meet again for the discussion of the issue on working out of the legal status of the Caspian Sea. The Ambassador of Iran in Azerbaijan Mr. Akhad Gazai has informed about this on the press conference. He has noted that the Azerbaijan side should determine a concrete data of the meeting.
BAKU.11.02.2004.MEDIA-PRESS: In the next ten days the Azerbaijan delegation will conduct the last round of negotiations in Iran on organization of the natural gas deliveries to the NAR from Iran.
BAKU.11.02.2004.MEDIA-PRESS: The budget of Kazakhstan for 2004, provides the allocation of 2.1 bn tenge or above $1.5 MM for the realization of the state program on the development of the Kazakhstan sector of the Caspian Sea. This is told in the joint declaration of the Government and the National Bank of the country related to the main trend of the economical and social policy of the country and prediction of the development for the current year.
BAKU.11.02.2004.MEDIA-PRESS: The countries-members of the OPEC have agreed on the reduction of oil production quotas by 1 MM bbl daily since April. Earlier the quota of the world cartel on oil production had been established at a level of 24.5 MM bbl daily. Thus, the total daily oil production of the OPEC countries makes 23.5 MM bbl since April 1.
BAKU.11.02.2004.MEDIA-PRESS: The President of Georgia Mr. Michail Saakashvili prepares for his first official visit to Azerbaijan. "Expectedly, the visit will take place in the next month", - the diplomatic source has informed the agency "Interfax-Azerbaijan".
"The visit had the familiarizing character as Mr. L. Varshalomidze was appointed recently to this post and intends to adjust relations with both the nearest neighbor and strategic partner at the same time", - the official of the Ministry of Transport has said. By his works, Mr. L. Varshalomidze visited to Azerbaijan by the order of the State Minister of Georgia Mr. Zurab Zvania, which estimates highly cooperation with Azerbaijan.
During the visit to Baku, the Chief of the Georgian Railway conducted some meetings in the ministries and offices of Azerbaijan, and causes of delays of shipment of oil and oil products exported by Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan in the Georgian ports were discussed as well as other issues.
As Media-Press had repeatedly informed, Railways of Azerbaijan transport mainly transit oil from Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. Growing the oil transportation has become possible in account of normalization of works on unloading of the oil tanks in the Georgian ports. Earlier, the Azerbaijan tanks stayed idle at the Georgian oil terminals in expectation of the unloading. And this inhibits the shipment of the Caspian oil by the ARW. Now in account of extension of the Batum oil terminal and the construction of the Poti oil terminal this problem has been solved; the tanks return to Azerbaijan in time. Every day up to 500 tanks with oil and oil products are sent to Georgia from Azerbaijan. The park of tanks on the ARW allows the transportation of 16 - 18 MM tons of this production annually.
IN 2003 THE FOREIGN STATE DEBT OF AZERBAIJAN GREW UP BY 16% - UP TO $1.6 BN
As the agency "Interfax - Azebaijan" has been informed in the Ministry of Finances of the Republic, the past year Azerbaijan redeemed $153.6 MM of the foreign debt against $117.4 MM in 2002.
The expenses for redeeming of the main foreign debt made $134.9 MM (the growth by 38.8% in comparison with 2002), for paying out of rates - $18.7 MM (reduction by 7.4%). At the same time more than a half - $73.6 MM were transferred for redemption of the IMF credits.
The increase of the foreign debt of the country emerged in result of reception of some credits including two credit tranches of the International Monetary Fund on the program of poverty reduction and economic growth by a total of $35 MM, from the WB - within frameworks of the second tranch of the project SAC - II - $66 MM, from the German Development Bank KfW - on the project in the energetic sphere - 15 MM evro, from the Saudi Development Fund - the construction of five school - $9.75 MM.
IRAN OFFERS BUSES MADE BY HODRO DISEL FOR THE ROUTE BAKU - NAKHCHIVAN
"During the visit of the delegation of our Ministry under the head of the Minister Mr. Ziya Mamedov, the sides have discussed a number of joint investment projects, realization of which is expected in the nearest time including the issue of the organization of the bus route from Baku to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic", - the source in the Ministry of Transport has said.
As well the projects of the reconstruction of the car main line Alyat - Astara on the territory of Azebaijan, the construction of the frontier car and railway bridges Astara (Azerbaijan) - Astara (Iran) as well as a number of joint projects.
Within frameworks of the project of the reconstruction of the car main line Alyat - Astara the Iranian side allocated $40 MM to Azerbaijan. However, for the relevant feasibility report is not available, the project realization delays. The Government of the IRI also accepted the decision on allocation of gran by a total of $2 MM for preparation of the FR on several projects including one concerning the reconstruction of this car main line.
For more than 10 years the Nakhcivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan separated from it by Armenia is in the transport blockade state, because of the Azerbaijan-Armenian conflict. At the present time only aircraft communication with the Autonomous Republic is maintained.
ABOUT $70 MM WILL BE SPENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW SETTLEMENTS FOR REFUGEES
"In accordance with the Edict of the President of Azerbaijan dated from February, 2004, the construction of dwelling houses for 3860 families, having been settled by now in 4 camps is provided", - he has informed. "The construction program, which accounts all issues, have been prepared already and will be approved by the Cabinet in the next time. Some Ministries have received objectives on foundation of infrastructure and job places", - the Chief of the Committee has said.
He has noted that all houses built for forced migrants are the state property as "after liberation of the occupied territories the residents of these lands will return home". By his words, each family receives 1200 sq m of personal plot, 1 hectare of agricultural lan and a gratis support by a total of 1 MM manats (about $200).
Mr. A. Gasanov has noted that the program on improvement of life conditions of forced migrants includes and refugees settled in hostels and other objects of the cities of Azerbaijan such as Baku, Sumgayit, Mingechavir, Gyanja. "We have studied such objects and included 287 of them, where repairs of roof, canalization system, gas and electric power lines and other infrastructure are required", - Mr. A. Gasanov has said.
In 2001 - 2002 the President of Azerbaijan Mr. Geydar Aliyev has signed three Edicts on allocation of 359 bn manats in total for improvement of dwelling conditions of refugees and forced migrants, which were expelled from Armenia and the occupied territories of Azerbaijan.
ON JANUARY ABOVE 248 THOU SQ M OF THE AZERBAIJAN TERRITORY WERE CLEANED FROM MINES
By the information of the agency, more than 400 MM sq m of the territory is dangerous for mines not pulled out still and vessels, which have not blown up. The present resources of the agency are insufficient for cleaning these areas. Above 7 MM sq m have been cleaned for three years. The present capacities of the agency allow cleaning of up to 3 MM sq km annually. The strategic plan on the mines removal accounted for the period up to 2008 has been worked out in Azerbaijan. The realization of this plan will allow to clean up to 10 - 12 MM sq meters annually.
By the words of the Executive Director of the ANAMA Mr. Nazim Ismaylov, the mine cleaning of one sq m of the territory costs $1.1. "Taking this expenses into account, the total cost of mine removal in Azerbaijan makes $400 as minimum. However if the material and technical is improved, it will be possible to reduce expenses up to $250 - 300 MM". Totally for three years of the existence of the ANAMA the expenses for mining removal and cleaning of the territories from vessels, which have not blown up have made $7 MM.
It is planned to spend $2.8 - 2.9 MM in 2004. The staff of the Agency includes 110 combat engineers, 18 specially trained dogs and the explosive disposal group. By the information of the ANAMA, 25 men died for three years from mines in Azerbaijan and 35 men injured. These accidents were registered in 12 regions of the country.
THE HEALTH MINISTRY OF AZERBAIJAN CONTINUES THE COOPERATION WITH THE UNISEF
By the words, of the specialist of the MH, "UNISEF" and other international humanitarian organizations render assistance to the country in the struggle against such deceases as malaria and other deceases both in technical and organization works in the regions.
"We conducted joint monitoring in the Azerbaijan regions, and the results showed that in 2003 were registered 476 cases of malaria when 503 ones were registered in 2002.
THE OBSERVATION COUNCIL OF THE IRI HAS PUBLISHED THE END LISTS OF DEPUTIES, WHICH SHOULD TAKE PART IN THE FORTHCOMING ELECTIONS
According to the list, on February 20, 2004 the Iranians will elect 290 new deputies to the Mejlis of the 7th calling from 5600 candidates.
As it is known, the process of recognizing the deputy powers by the Observation Council of the IRI had caused the sharpening of the internal political struggle in the country. The MFA presented its list, which included advantageously representatives of the reformer parties.
However, the Observation Council, which provides the control for the keeping the Constitution took the other decision. As a result, above 80 present deputies were not permitted to the participation in the forthcoming elections.
Calls of the reformers and the Iranian government, which supports them, about a necessity of postponing the date of elections, recognition of the deputy powers and the announcements about retirements in the government and parliament, which followed then, were practically rejected by the statement of the religious Head of Iran Ayatollah Ali Hamenei.
"In accordance with the Constitution and existing laws, the elections will pass timely and nobody is able to deprive the Iranian nation of voting right", - the Chief of the state has declared.
THE SOCAR HAS CONDUCTED THE UNDERWATER SURVEY IN THE FIELD GUNESHLI
In total, as it has been noted in the SOCAR, the underwater survey has allowed to receive full information about the state of the pipelines. "This will help determine places of possible accidents. Moreover, at the construction of new pipelines we account the position of other ones", - the source has informed.
At the first time the survey was carried with the special equipment through the system of the satellite communication. The works were conducted since July 2003. Supposedly the similar survey will be conducted and in the other fields.
THE COMPANY VITOL BROKING PURCHASES THE FIRST MARCH PARTY OF THE SOCAR'S OIL
On March the SOCAR plans to transport 210 tons of oil by the pipeline Baku - Novorossiisk as on January and February.
The companies Total and Glencore purchased two January parties and Sonol and Vitol Broking - February ones.
In the current year 2.5 MM tons of oil will be pumped by the pipeline Baku - Novorossiysk as in the past year.
THE SOCAR WILL CONSTRUCT THE OFFSHORE PLATFORM FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FIELD "PIRALLAHI-2"
By the information of the Agency "Interfax-Azerbaijan", the project documentation on the construction of the platform is prepared at the present time. The production installation will be accounted for 16 wells.
The field "Pirallahi-2" was opened in 2002 by the SOCAR. The supplies of the field are relatively insignificant (1.2 - 1.5 MM tons). At the same time, by the opinion of the experts, low depth of the sea in this area (6 - 8 MM) as well as availability of developed infrastructure will significantly simplify the development of the field and make it profitable. The offshore field "Pirallahi" is situated in the same area. It is one of the oldest fields of Azerbaijan. Its development began still in 1870 and more than 50 MM tons of oil and 4.5 bn cubic meters of gas have been produced for these years. The remainder supplies of the field do not exceed 1 MM tons of hydrocarbons.
IN THE NEXT TIME THE EXPERTS OF AZERBAIJAN AND IRAN WILL CONDUCT THE NEXT ROUND OF CONSULTATIONS ON THE CASPIAN STATUS
Mr.A. Gazai has noted the closeness of the Russian, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan positions in this issue. As to Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Iran, last time they find more common points of views.
At the same time the diplomat has noted that the principle of the sea sharing should be made in accordance with the international laws. "There are not universal principles, so the most acceptable one should be accepted at the determination of the status of the Caspian Sea". At the same time the Ambassador has noted that the specialists should determine the Iranian share. "If they come get agreement, the Iranian side will accept their opinion", - Mr. A. Gazai has said.
Commenting the statement of the President of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Aliyev about the necessity of demilitarization of the Caspian Sea, the Iranian diplomat has noted: "We agree with this point of view. The Caspian Sea should not transform into the zone of military bases. Marine resources: oil, gas, fish supplies and transport capacities should be used. The less weapons in the Caspian Sea, the more use for all littoral states".
IN THE NEXT TIME IT IS PLANNED TO SIGN THE AGREEMENT ON THE IRANIAN GAS DELIVERIES TO THE NAKHCHIVAN AUTONOMOUS REPUBLIC
As the Ambassador of Iran in Azerbaijan Mr. Akhad Gazai has told on the press conference, the sides intend to complete the consideration of this issue and sign the relevant agreement during these negotiations.
We sall remind that the memorandum between Azerbaijan and Iran has been signed and in accordance with it Iran will annually deliver 350 MM cubic meters of gas to the NAR. But the construction of the gas pipeline from Iran to the NAR and creation of the relevant gas infrastructure would be required. The gas pipeline to the town Julfa has been constructed and Iran is ready for starting the gas exportation any time.
$14 MM have been spent for the construction of the gas pipeline. However the problem is in that there is not gas infrastructure in the NAR. The Iranian side is ready for allocation of credits for its construction. According to accounts of the Azerbaijan experts, 62 bn manats ($12.6 MM) are required for this. Just this issue will be discussed on the negotiations in Tehran.
In accordance with memorandum signed between the sides, Azerbaijan will pay out the Iranian gas deliveries not by cash, but redeem them the analogous volumes of the proper gas, which would be produced on the field "Shakh-Deniz" in several years. Gas will be returned to Iran by the existing already pipeline Gazi-Magomed-Astara. The specialists of the JC "Azerigaz" have completed already its inspection. By their estimations, the cost of the restoration works makes 90 bn manats. The length of the gas pipeline Gazi - Magomed - Astara - Bind-Biand (Iran) makes 1474.5 km including 296.5 km of the Azerbainan territory. The capacity of the pipeline makes 10 bn cubic meters annually. This route is the branch of the pipeline Gazakh - Astara - Iran, put into operation else in 1971. 3 compression station were built on its route - in Gazi Magomed, Agdash and Gazakh. The gas transportation system was accounted for the pressure of 55 atm. The diameter of the pipeline makes 1200 mm.
IN 2004 KAZAKHSTAN INVESTS MORE THAN $15 MM IN THE EXPLORATION OF THE CASPIAN SHELF
On May 2003 the President of Kazakhstan has signed the state program on the development of the hydrocarbon resources of the Caspian Sea, which was accounted up to 2015. It is supposed to realize it in three stages. On the first (2003 - 2005 years) stage it is planned to create conditions for complex development of hydrocarbon resource of the Caspian Sea. On the second stage (2006 - 2010 years) - providing of the accelerated development, the third stage (2011 - 2015) - the stabilization of the oil production. The realization of the program allows providing 100 MM tons of oil and 63 bn cubic meters as minimum, by 2015.
In accordance with the optimistic version of the state program, the forecast of investments is expected: in 2003 - 2005 - about $6 bn, in 2006 - 2010 - about $10.3 bn, in 2011 - 2015 years - about $15.6 bn. Meanwhile, the minimum necessary expenses for the development of the Kazakhstan offshore sector are estimated by $2.8 bn in 2003 - 2005, $7 bn in 2006 - 2010 years, in 2011 - 2015 years - $11.4 bn.
Several years earlier the Premier of the country Mr. Danial Akhmetov has declared that in 2004 Kazakhstan starts the exploration by own means in several perspective structures on the Caspian shelf.
SINCE APRIL 1 THE OPEC WILL REDUCE OIL PRODUCTION QUOTAS BY 1 MM BBLS DAILY
Besides, the oil cartel intends to reduce immediately the production up to real level of quotas by 24.5 MM bbl daily (the real production in conditions of high oil demand is by 1.5 - 1.8 bbl higher today). Thus, the OPEC intends to remove totally 2.5 MM bbl of oil daily fromn the market or about 9% from the production by the OPEC countries.
As the agency Bloomberg informs with a reference to the Minister of Oil of the IRI Mr. Bijan Zangane, such decision was accepted in Algeria on the out of turn conference by the Ministers of the oil field from the countries of the OPEC with a goal of maintenance of prices during the seasonal demand reduction. Moreover, the countries entered to the cartel explain the necessity of maintenance of prices for oil by low dollar rate, which really depreciate their export deliveries.
The next conference of the Ministries of the OPEC is planned by March 31.
The decision of the Algerian conference caused the dissatisfaction of the USA, the main world oil importer. The US Minster of Finances Mr. John Snow condemn the decision of the OPEC on reduction of the oil production reduction and it caused increase of the cost of futures on oil by 3%. On Tuesday the cost of contracts on oil reached $33.87 for bbl in New York by the trade session end.
By the opinion of Mr. J. Snow, the agency Bloomberg informs, the decision of the OPEC causes regret and requires measures on reduction of dependence of the country from the oil import.
THE PRESIDENT OF GEORGIA INTENDS TO VISIT TO AZERBAIJAN
By the words of the information source, in Azerbaijan the President of the neighbor country will discuss the issues of strengthening of the interaction of both the countries in the political sphere, realization of the construction of the oil pipeline Baku - Tbilisi - Ceyhan.
