Why western Powers don´t want Putin to go to Tehran
Because the countries of the Caspian region are reaching a deal on outstanding issues, which would have prevented a fruitful cooperation and further economic development of all countries involved.
This cooperation will make these countries more independent from the western financial elites, so they can better resist their pressures.
TEHRAN, Oct. 15--The second summit of the heads of Caspian Sea littoral states opens here on Tuesday.
The presidents of Iran, Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan are to discuss Caspian Sea issues as well as regional and international topics during the one-day summit.
According to Iran’s government spokesman, Gholamhossein Elham, the five presidents will sign a statement, which will have a great impact on establishing peace and security in the region, at the end of the summit.
That explains why the western energy companies have also focused attention on this summit, which will be attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Discussion of the final status of the Caspian resources among the five littoral states tops the meeting’s agenda.
An agreement could clear the way for massive new developments, particularly seabed oil and natural gas pipelines, which could dramatically change the region’s economic landscape.
The issue has long divided the five nations. The first Caspian summit held in April 2002 in Ashkhabad, Turkmenistan, failed to determine the states’ share of the waters--either coastline or an equitable 20 percent.
Addressing journalists in Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov sounded an upbeat note about the meeting.
“The Caspian Sea Summit, which will take place in Tehran, should address a draft declaration of the Caspian states,“ he said, noting that the draft was agreed upon at a meeting of foreign ministers several months ago.
“It records consent on many--I would even say on most--issues that concern the future convention on the Caspian Sea’s legal status. And the signing of the declaration by the presidents of the five countries will become a very important step on the way toward the final settlement of all issues of this status,“ he said.
During an interview with Itar-Tass, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said the Caspian issue should not be turned into a challenge and a reason for anxiety among the Caspian states.
“Turning the Caspian Sea into a zone of friendship and peace is more important than delimitation of its basin. Peoples, living in the Caspian region, have common history, culture and interests. We shall live together in peace and brotherly relations for hundreds of years to come,“ he said.
“The Caspian Sea belongs to all of us. We should find a just distribution to consolidate our friendly and brotherly relations. There are formulas and
criteria for delimitation. We believe that by using goodwill and interest of the littoral states, we shall reach mutual understanding.“
In Tehran, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini was similarly optimistic.
“A discussion of the legal regime of the Caspian Sea and multilateral cooperation among the littoral states as well as a review of the regional and international issues is the main issue on the meeting’s agenda,“ he said.
“Participating heads of states are expected to issue a final statement at the end of the summit.“
According to the spokesman, during Putin’s two-day visit, Iran and Russia will also discuss bilateral ties plus other important issues such as energy.
