Cyprus seeks construction of pipelines to get Azerbaijani oil and gas
Tue 29 June 2010
News.Az interviews Fahraddin Mammadov, chairman of the Center of Culture of Azerbaijan in Cyprus.
Is Cyprus satisfied with the current level of relations with Azerbaijan?
Naturally, the population of Cyprus is friendly to Azerbaijan. Therefore, Cyprus wants to create the highest level relations with Azerbaijan. Cyprus has its conflict, therefore, they understand the Karabakh problem. Considering the economic development of Azerbaijan, Cyprus intends to create relations in most directions.
Which political dividends does Northern Cyprus intend to get if Azerbaijan recognizes its independence?
The recognition of Northern Cyprus by Azerbaijan will be of no importance. The UN recognition is required. The Cyprus must be recognized by the majority of the member-states of the UN Security Council. If any country recognizes Cyprus without the resolution of the United States, this may throw the peace processes back. For example, Turkey will recognize the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, but the world community will not. Naturally, the recognition of one state by another will expand ties between them, but this will not lead to its recognition by the world community. Recognition may occur in the case if it is done by at least one of the members of the UN Security Council.
I am more than convinced that in case the UN adopts this decision, Azerbaijan will become the first country recognizing independence of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Which economic expectations does Cyprus have in relation to Azerbaijan?
Naturally, economic ties between Azerbaijan may gain a real steam after recognition of Northern Cyprus by UN. As is known, there are no energy sources in Cyprus. Therefore, the branches from the Baku-Ceyhan and Baku-Erzurum pipelines may be laid to Cyprus since the distance between Turkey and Cyprus is just 50 km and such a branch of the pipeline may be laid by the sea floor. Cyprus is not a recognized country and, therefore, they cannot propose such an initiative. These projects that can be implemented with Azerbaijan may break isolation of Cyprus. Therefore, supply of energy sources from Azerbaijan to Cyprus is very important. The possibility of such projects is discussed by scientists and public figures on pages of local newspapers.
Both northern and southern parts of Cyprus will be able to use these pipelines during the implementation of this project, especially since the border between Northern and Southern Cyprus is open. There are no problems between these parts. There is a historical problem that will find its solution, especially since the situation around the resolution of this problem shows that it will be settled in the nearest future. Therefore, Southern and Northern Cyprus may both enjoy transportation.
Which contribution do Azerbaijanis make into the tourism development in Cyprus?
According to Cyprus hotels, the Azerbaijani citizens are fourth after Turkey, Germany and Great Britain who visit the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as tourists. It is clear that the decline in prices on services promotes the rise in the number of tourists. But prices remain high due to high transportation costs. For example, a person willing to go to Cyprus from Azerbaijan has to get there via Ankara. Thus, it is necessary to fly from Azerbaijan to Ankara and then change for another plane to Cyprus. Economists calculated that during the opening of the direct air flights between Azerbaijan and Cyprus, the cost of the ticket will not exceed $280. In this case, the flow of tourists will grow.
I would like to note the plans to open flights between Azerbaijan and Cyprus. As is known, there are Cypriot entrepreneurs in Azerbaijan, while Azerbaijani entrepreneurs work in Cyprus, which is why the opening of this air flight will be advantageous for both Azerbaijan and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Which activity does your center conduct for development of ties between Azerbaijan and Cyprus?
The Center of Azerbaijani culture was created in 2005 and aims at developing ties between Cyprus and Azerbaijan. This center has carried out a huge work to develop ties between the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and Azerbaijan in the sphere of economy, education and tourism. But the Center mostly focuses on education both in terms of its activity and relations. About 40 teachers from Azerbaijan work at the Cyprus University. In addition, there are about 140 Azerbaijani students at the Cyprus universities. Certainly, the Middle Eastern University with 20,000 students provides the biggest assistance to the activity of the Center. Among them 75 students are from Azerbaijan mostly studying in the sphere of international relations, international trade, stomatology. A part of them continue studying for master’s and doctoral degree of the university. Along with education, the Center of Azerbaijani culture also engages in provision of the joint rest of Azerbaijanis residing in the country, conduction of cultural events among them. The Center provides assistance in their intensification in social and public life. Cyprus also has companies owned by Azerbaijanis. In particular, Azerbaijani entrepreneurs have invested in construction, tourism and telecommunication sectors of Cyprus. On the whole, the republic has 200 Azerbaijanis.
Which opportunities are there at the Cyprus universities for the education of Azerbaijani students?
Cyprus has great opportunities for Azerbaijani students. Those Azerbaijani school-leavers, who get over 450 points at the entrance exams in Azerbaijan, can study at our university freely. In addition, they are ensured with hostels. Moreover, privileges are given to Azerbaijanis that study at our university. For example, if Turkish students have to pay EUR 5600 for education, Azerbaijani students have to pay just $2800. In addition, considering the social state of Azerbaijanis in Georgia, we have allocated them 20 seats this year. Azerbaijanis residing in Georgia will be able to continue their free education at our university while entering the university in their country.
Our university also provides seats to students from other Turkic states. These countries get 5-6 places for free education at our university.
Fahreddin Mammadov is vice president of the Middle Eastern University of the non-recognized (editorial note) Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and chairman of the Center of Culture of Azerbaijan in Cyprus.
http://www.news.az/articles/18222
