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Baku, Azerbaijan (pte032/25.05.2005/12:44) - The oil pipeline that runs for 1,600km through Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey opens today after 10 years of building, environmental controversy and protests. It will open one of the world's largest energy reserves.
Last week, however, demonstrators were arrested and beaten when they protested what authorities claimed to be 'too close to the pipeline'.
The opening of the pipeline has not only raised environmental issues but also has geo-political implications.
Presidents from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Georgia and Turkey were present at the inauguration at the Sangachal oil terminal near Baku. The pipeline cost US$3.6 billion and is an international effort, involving BP http://www.bp.com - a 30 per cent stake holder - Azerbaijan's state oil company Socar, Amerada Hess, ConocoPhillips, Eni, Inpex, Itochu, Statoil, Total, TPAO and Unocal.
Ilham Aliev, president of Azerbaijan, is proud to have the pipeline running through his country. "This pipeline first of all will help solve economic and social problems," he said. It will also play a role in "strengthening peace and security in the region".
For the United States the Caspian Sea pipeline is a strategically important source of oil from countries other than Russia and the Middle East. Eventually about one million barrels of oil a day will be heading westward through the pipes. It will take several months, however, before the pipeline's 10 million barrel capacity is filled.
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